EARLY HISTORY -WITH- STORIES OF PIONEER DAYS -AND- GLIMPSES OF OUR WESTERN BORDER. Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches, Historical Reminiscences, Views of Towns, Street Scenes, Public Buildings and Private Residences, Our Churches and School Houses, Election Returns and Notes, Newspaper History, G. A. R. Notes, a Short Criminal Record, &c BY MATT THOMSON. AUVIA, KANSAS. 1901. - :-iJfcm;^ i hi'"'- .- '?'''fites •'' ' ' ■- - ,- ■. /&&&&-- '^ - ■ V ^J^S^~^ '■'-•' '*-- "" ' y ' l5 ^^^%v V ^~" ' ' ^v ':'S- : * ' '** • ■ ; '''v ."•' A— Sod house where first teacher boarded— Wabaunsee. B— First church— Wabaunsee. 24— Last log school house— replaced by stone building in 1884. THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Two Copies Received I - Copyright Entry ! CLASS O. XXc. No COPY 8. Early History of Wabaunsee County, Copyrighted by Matt Thomson All rights reserved. Preface. In an extra edition of the Alma Signal in 1892 we said: "The next enterprise we have in contemplation is an Illustrated History of Wa- baunsee County. Many of the actors have passed from the scene, but the material of facts that they left behind are still obtainable and if gathered together would form the ground work of many interesting chapters that would be perused with pleasure as well as profit by those to whom many of these facts will prove a revelation. That they should be preserved while there isyet time, but one opinion prevails," Though other duties claimed our attention, we have never yet aban- doned the idea of writing the history. Though somewhat deferred, our long cherished plans have assumed tangible form. Possibly some criticism relative to the subject matter or the manner of presentation will be indulged in by those prone to forget the precepts of the golden rule. Let this standard be applied to our work and we will be content. We have endeavored to acquiant the people of today with the happenings of yesterday; of the events that transpired before the advent of railroads and the era of school houses, together with the march of progress that has caused the wilderness to blossom as the rose. Our mission is to tell of the time when there was much con- cern for the necessaries of life, but little care or thought of the luxuries of the present. We have tried to be fair and just to all. It has been our endeavor to write a book the people will read. We can only hope that our effort may be deemed worthy of a careful perusal and an impartial verdict. This assured, we shall feel that our labor has not been in vain. Alma, Kansas, June 14, 1902. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Historical In touching upon the early history of Wabaunsee county, we promise nothing startling. We do not propose to recount the exploits of Coronado and claim Wabaunsee county as the theatre of some of his mostdaring adventuresand hair-breadth escapeswbile in search of the famed seven cities of Cibola; neither are we so chimerical as to claim Buffalo Mound as the work of prehistoric man, nor will we advance the theory that the original Garden of Eden was located in the Mill creek valley. However willing we may be to concede that were beauty of landscape and fertility of soil matters of paramount consideration in the choice of a site for the abode of our first parents, there might be good and ample reasons why no adverse criticism should be placed on the judgment of those upon whom the responsibility might rest of making a choice of location. Had the site of the garden been defined by metes and bounds, including in their limits that small part of God's footstool Wabaunsee county people delight in calling their own, we could do no less than admire their judgment and applaud their act. When as a matter of fact geologists claim that the earth— of which Wabaunsee county is a part— has been in existence about six hundred millions of years, it would be an idle waste of words to claim for Coro- nado, or John Smith, or Captain Pike, the right of discovery. Suffice it to say that less than half a hundred years ago all this western coun- try, of which our county is but a fractional part, was known— on the map— as the "Great American Desert." It is well that we say "it was known on the map"— it assuredly was not known elsewhere, at least by civilized man. Years ago, with characteristic generosity, Uncle Sam had set apart for the Pottawatomie and Kaw tribes of Indians certain tracts of lands known as Indian Reservations, hoping that the noble red man would prosper and grow rich in a country thought to be unfit for the abode of his white brother. Here the dusky warrior wooed and won the maiden of his choice. Here the deer, the antelope, and the buffalo paid tribute to the Indian EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 5 huntsman's arrow and these valleys and slopes and woodlands but a few years ago were made the more picturesque by the herds of Indian ponies, and the scores of Indian villages, where the prattle of the papoose, the cn October 18, 1859, a tax of $965 was levied as follows: Wabaunsee township. $351.53. Wilmington " 269.60. Mission Creek " 188.60. Alma " 156.12. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY", KAN. At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors (commissioners) on the 10th day of Feb.. 1860, Petit Jurors were drawn from the following list of residents : *Henry Smith, Peter Sharai, John Willig, J. M. Bisbey, Wm. Ken- naman, Thos. D. Rose, I. C. Isbell, C. Noyes, J. E. Piatt, J. F. Willard, R. W. Griswold, Enoch Piatt, A. C. Brown, Robert Hubbard, Anton Schewe, Joseph Schutter, Henry Schmitz, Chas. Pafkowitz, William Lange, John Copp, John Hess, Edmond Hoffman, Charles Hanson, William Krieg, John Bonr, Joseph Tren, John Schrouder, Geo. Rich, Franz Schmidt. Wm. H. Curtiss, S. J. Spear, John Sailor, Simon Dow, John W. Ward. James E. Johnson, Samuel B. Harvey, Allen Hodgson, Geo. M. Harvey, Perry Lamphere, Henry Shepard, Nathan Hunt, Wm. Hovenden, N. S. Spear, Daniel Spear, J. Rich, J. W. Mossman, M. Woodford, S. P. Wemple, Wm. H. Hewins, Wm. Ewing, W. A. Wing, G. F. Hartwell, S. Higbee, Grand Jurors were drawn from the following list: Michael Fix. Herman Dierker, Andreas Thowe, Christian Wertz- berger, John Mahan. Gottlieb Zwanziger, Ernst Hoheneck, Frederick Palenske, John P. Gleich, Christian Hankammer, John Spiecker, Peter Thoes, F. H. Hebrank, Sebastian Nehring, Edward Krapp, F. Doty, Geo. G. Johnson, A. Bliss, Andrew Walters, H. J. Loomis, R. P. Miller, E. M. Guile, A. A. Shephard, J. Schaad, Wm. Curtiss, G. W. Bonny, James McCoy. J. W. Gleasener, E. H. Haskins, Isaiah Harris, Samuel Cripps, O. T. Cook, E. B. Murrell, Jeptha Beebe, Henry Easter, J. B. Ingersoll, E. P. Ingersoll, Joseph Johnson, E. M. Jillison, Chas. A. Hotchkiss, H, F. Brown, S. R. Whitaker, S. R. Weed, B. C. Benedict, L. A. Parker, C. Sawin, J. H. Gould, C. J. Dutton, J. J. Walter, Josiah Gewn, S. M Thomas, Austin Kelsey, Robert Banks, Smith W. Kelsey, John Smith. First petition for "tavern license" presented by Perry Lamphere at the February meeting Petition rejected. April, 1860, the county board was composed as follows: Wm. Mitchell, Isaiah Harris, G. Zwanziger and H. J. Loomis. First petition for county road presented by E. Hoheneck, May 14, 1860; road from Wabaunsee to Wilmington. I. Harris, J. M. Hubbard and August Brasche appointed viewers to locate said road. This road was declared illegally laid and the expenses ordered paid by the county. At this session John Schwanke presented a petition for a road in Alma *The above lists of 108 names are given in full that the early settlers may be known by the records. As but 145 votes were cast at an election held Dec. 6, 1859, and but 183 votes cast at an election held March 6, 1860. it appears that about three-fifths of the actual resi- dent voters of the county are included in the above lists. 8 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. township. E. Holieneck, F. Hebrank and Herman Dierker were appointed viewers. In July, 1860, levies (by townships) were made as follows: Alma: For Township expenses. .$100.00 For schools 100.00 Wilmington: For Township expenses. . 125.00 For schools 100.00 Wabaunsee: For Township expenses. . 75.00 For schools 200.00 For bridge (first) 30.00 Mission Cr.: For Township expenses. . 100.00 For schools 50.00 Zeandale: For Township expenses. . 74.00 For schools 100.00 At the July session S. F. Ross, T. D. Rose and John P. Gleich were appointed viewers on a road from Wabaunsee to the west line of the county. G. Zwanziger, surveyor. In October, 1860, it was considered inexpedient to allow a salary to the Probate Judge, but at the January session, 1861, the matter was reconsidered and the Probate Judge's salary fixed at $40 per annum. JUROR LISTS FOR 1864 (APRIL). Grand Jury list : Abner Allen, T. S. St. John, E. St John, O. Meacham, James W. Blain, T. V. Smith, Enoch Piatt, John Willig, J. M. Bisbey, Peter Sharai, Joshua Smith, James Enlow, C. Noyes, C. A. Lapham, E. Kirk- man, A. L. Norton, August Weber, Herman Meseke, Rudolph Arndt, Peter Daum, Frederick Palenske, Joseph Schutter, Herman Miller, Wm. Drebing, John Hess, C. Pafkowitz, John Copp, Anton Kraus, J. L.Thomson, Samuel Woods, Samuel Cripps, John Garinger, Peter A. Green and J. M. Gilless. Petit Jury list : C. P. McDonald, Thomas Keenan, A. J. Vincent, R. Moses, A. J. Pinkerton, Robert Earl, Wm. Marshall, Harry Marshall, E. R. Mc- Curdy, Charles Taylor, Samuel Pratt, C. Foster, J. J. Walter, A. C. Tucker, Henry Smith, J. H. Gould, G. S. Beckwith, Smith W. Kelsey. Adolph Fetting, D. Lughbihl, Michael Fix,. A. Brasche, H. Dierker, J. P. Gleich, C. Hankammer, Anton Schewe, Peter Thoes, F. H. He- brank, August Gerloch, Henry Schmitz, Joseph Treu, Wm. Home, Christian Kuenzli, P. F. Johnson, Isaiah Harris, Jehu Hodgson, G. M. Harvey, R. J. Marrs, Joseph Johnston, Morris Walton, E. R. Twitchell, C. D. Carpenter, Allen Hodgson, D. N. Jones, Uriah Sanner, Wm. O. Ewing, D. M. Johnston, Wm. H. Hewings, John Eberly, John H. Doty, Thomas Tomson and I. K. Perry. In the above lists are 86 names. Highest vote cast at last election for county officers — Nov. , '83— was 138. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. *fe& %msAs 1882. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 9 Commissioner Districts formed July, 1860, about as now consti- tuted except the Pottawatomie Reserve. At the January session, 1861, forty dollars was appropriated to procure three seals for the county; one for the county commissioners, one for the probate Judge and one for the register of deeds. J. M. Hubbard was appointed a committee to procure the seals. Among other bills ordered paid was one of $3.00 to A. C. Cutler for a book-case for the county treasurer. At this (January) session the following is the report of receipts and expenditures for 1860: Paid County Commissioners $130 25 " Clerk 36 00 Dept. " 92 20 Sheriff 200 85 County Assessor 137 50 Probate Judge 40 00 County Attorney 36 00 " Treasurer 57 53 " Supt. Schools 12 25 Transcript of Record from Davis Co. . 28 50 Fees in Butman case, Justices court, 101 95 " " District " 104 21 Election expenses 60 60 Roads, Hiram Keyes 100 00 " Wm. Wiley 75 00 " W. McCormick 20 00 Books, stationery and stamps 26 00 Township Plats for Assessor 20 00 Office Rent 14 00 Printing 63 15 Furniture and Stove 10 00 On tax list of Wabaunsee Twp .... 50 29 " Mission Or. " ., 213 08 " Wilmington " 29 93 Outstanding orders 20 90 Total Liabilities, Jan. 1, '61, Total Expenses for 1860, $1545 17 ( Assets For Tax receipts, $309 13 Tax levied 2311 99 $1875 20 Total assets, $2621 12 Liabilities, $1875 20 Bal. on hand, $745 92 10 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Feb. 28th. Bond of Wm. F. Cotton and C. B. Lines, as Justices of the Peace for Wabaunsee township presented and approved. E. C. D. Lines was allowed $3.00 for chairs for office. The following bonds were presented for approval, April, 1861: Of Trustees: G. M. Harvey, Wilmington: H. J. Loomis, Mission Creek; John Spiecker, Alma; G. G. Hall, Wabaunsee township. Of Justices: Allen Hodgson, Wilmington; H. D. Shepard, Wil- mington; Wm. H. Hewins, Mission Creek; F. H. Hebrank, Alma. Constables: Daniel Spear and Richard M Kendall, Wilmington: S. W. Higbee and Ed. M. Hewins, Mission Creek: Edward Krapp and Bernard Hansjacob, Alma township; John H. Pinkerton, Zeandale. At the April session, 1862, the tax of 1859 of the Wilmington town company was abated on account of the illegality of the assessment. At the July session, 1862, the following road petitions were pre- sented: By John Spiecker, for road from termination of Wabaunsee road to Alma and thence to Wilmington. Viewers: S. F. Ross, Anton Schewe and G. G. Hall. G. Zwanziger, surveyor. By G. Zwanziger for road from Alma Mills to Herman Dierker's (C. Wertzberger's) and up the creek to Chas. Lehmberg's. Viewers: John P. Gleich, Joseph Thoes and John Gopp. By Joseph Thoes for a road from Fred Palenske's to Joseph Thoes' and Christoph Schrouder's. Viewers: Michael Fix, August Brasche and Edward Krapp. At the October session, 1862, bill of Jehu Hodgson, sheiiff, in case of State vs Ballard, of $9.05 allowed in the sum of $8.55 — two days horse hire @ $1.00 per day cut to 75 cents per day. At the January session, 1863, H. D. Shepard was appointed com- missioner in place of James B. Ingersoll, resigned. In March, 1863, the commissioners "voted to request the treasurer to give the printing of the delinquent tax list to the party that will give the most incidental printing for the job." At an election held March 23, 1863, township officers were elected as follows: Wabaunsee township: Trustee: A. C. Cutler. Justices: Wm. F. Cotton and A. W. Gregory. Constables: W. S. Griswold and Smith Kelsey. Road Overseers: Charles Taylor, S. A. Baldwin and J. M. Bisbey. In Dist. 4, A. C Tucker and Volney Love received one vote each. The board selected A. C. Tucker by lot. In Zeandale township, Abner Alien was elected trustee and Joseph Haines and A. P. St. John, justices. T. S. St. John and Wm. F. Smith were elected constables. Alma township: August Brasche was elected trustee, and Edward EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 11 Lower atid Adolph Hankammer, justices. John Schwanke and L. Muehlenbaclier, constables, and August Gerloch and Michael Fix, road overseers. Mission Creek: H. J. Loornis, trustee, and J. W. Mossman and Silas Brittain, justices; Thomas Tomson and Geo. W. Dailey, con- stables, and J. W. Mossman and Thomas Rarker, road overseers. Orson Frizzle and John H. Doty received 5 votes each. The board selected Frizzle by lot. ^Wilmington township: George M. Harvey, trustee, and H. D. Shepard and Joseph McCoy, justices: E. H. Haskins and Wm. Eldred, constables, and Samuel Cripps, Samuel Woods and D. A. Woodard, road overseers. At the July session, 1863, A. C. Tucker petitioned for a road from the foot of Mount Tabor (now Riley Co.) to the northeast corner of Tucker's claim, thence to intersect the Wabaunsee and Wilmington road near the northwest corner of Lewis Gregory's claim. J. M. Bis- bey, J. E. Piatt and Herman Dierker were appointed viewers. G. Zwanziger surveyed the road A ugust 3rd. At this session, C, Kuenzli petitioned for a road from Mission creek to the west line of the county. C. Hankammer, Silas Brittain and George M. Harvey, with G. Zwanzigf r, laid out the road Aug. 10th. At the October session (1863), A. Pentield, J. A. Hankammer and S. A. Baldwin were appointed viewers on a road beginning at a point on the Wabaunsee and Wilmington road between the farms of Ed. Krapp and John Schrouder, thence south to school house No. 14 (Halifax), thence to Elm creek to school house No. 13 (McCoy's). John Hess was principal petitioner. Another road ordered laid out at this session was one from W. K. Beach's to the west line of the county. Geo. M. Harvey, Christian Hankammer and J. T. Genn were appointed viewers to meet October 27, 1863. Maple Hill precinct organized April, 1864, and R. H. Waterman's designated as the voting place, On October 3, 1865, the petition of H. J. Loomis and nine others to vote $100,000 to aid the Santa Fe Railroad was rejected. Joseph Treu voting for the proposition and H. D. Shepard and E. R. McCurdy voting against it. At the January session, 1866, a petition signed by Rudolph Arndt and 132 others was presented praying for the permanent location of the county seat. Election ordered for Feb. 20. The vote stood: For Alma, 110; Wabaunsee, 87; Peter Thoes' place, 27; Dragoon, 1; Wilmington, 1: Zeandale, 1; Maple Hill, 1. Total vote, 222. Necessary to a choice, 112. No place receiving a majority vote another election was ordered for March 6th. (See page 74.) 12 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. At the July session, 1866, on petition presented by J. M. Bisbey all neat cattle were required to be corralled at night. April 4, 1870, Wilmington township was divided into three voting precincts, as follows: Dragoon, Elm creek and Rock creek. Newbury township organized April 12, 1870, and two voting pre- cincts established, to be known as East precinct and West precinct; elections to be held at Maple Hill and Newbury. At the first election in this township (Newbury), held May 3, 1870, eleven votes were cast in the East precinct (Maple Hill) and twenty- three in West precinct (Newbury). John Winkler was elected trustee: Allen M. Phillips, treasurer; J. G-. How, clerk, and John Mock, justice of the peace. In the list of taxpayers for the year 1870 the following names appear: Quash Qua: Mara-anna-una-gah-Rose; Much-quet; Sa-sa-quo-quah; Wamp-te-go-ahe-qua; Sa-qua; Pe-nosh; Naw-go-shuh; Osa-o-muck; Aahgh-mick-Bourassa; Wah-wid-no-qua; Joseph Smak-quish: Sah-qua; Po-te-go-qua; Pash-Kum-go-qua, and about twenty other names of Pottawatomie Indians who have since disposed of their real estate and removed from the county. At the April session, 1871, George C. Corning was granted permis- sion to establish a ferry across Kaw river at the big bend above the mouth of Mill creek. At an election held Aug. 29, 1871, to vote bonds in the sum of $160,000 to the Lawrence, Topeka & Solomon City Railroad 438 votes were cast for the bonds and 374 votes against. Wilmington precinct established Oct., 1871. first school house in dist. no. 14 (halifax). See page 58. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 13 Some £,arly Marriages. April 16, 1857, John P. Gleich and Mrs. Catharine Terrass. May 30, 1857, E. C. D. Lines and Grace A. Thomas. Dec. 23, 1857, Silas M. Thomas and Cornelia Lines. May 16, 1858, Hiram Keyes and Lucinda C. Hovey. July 15, 1859, R. FT. Waterman and Isabella Bourassa (Pottawatomie Reserve). Rev. Harvey Jones officiated at each of the above weddings. July 3, 1858, J. T. Genn and Malinda Cotton, by Rev. Lewis Bod- well (at Topeka). April 20, 1859, Joseph True and Catharine Klein, Edward L. Lower, officiating. Jan. 26, 1860, Edward B. Murrell and Mary Jane Harris, Allen Hodgson, J. P —at Jehu Hodgson's. April 7, 1860, Daniel Benson and Abigail Hodgson, A. Hodgson, J.P. Feb. 25, 1860, Thomas K Hamilton and Zilphia DoW, by Rev. E. p] Ingersoll. May 5, 1860, Chas. W. Peck, of Wabaunsee and Margaret McKin- ney, of the Pottawatomie Nation, by C. B. Lines, J. P. Sept 26, 1860, Joseph Schutter and Theresa Metzger, John Schultz, Cath. Priest, officiating. Jan. 1, 1861, H. M. Selden and Christina Terrass, Rev. W. A. Mc- Collom officiating, March J, 1861, Julius F. Willard and Mary Elizabeth Terrass by Rev. W. A. McCollom. June 2, 1861, Henry F. Drake and Ellen Keese, by S. F. Ross, J. P. June 16, 1861, Abraham Collins and Francis P. Weld, F. H He- brank. J. P. May 1, 1861, Adolph Fetting and Mrs. Villa Mena Lehmberg, E. L. Lower, J. P. officiating: May 5, 1861, John Henry Hanson Meseke and Mrs. Caroline Wol- gast, E. L. Lower, J. P. June 9, 1861, Joseph Thoes and Augusta Dieball, E. L. Lower, J. P. Feb. 2, 1862, John Schwanke and Wilhelmina Hankammer, by Wm. Lange, Lutheran pastor. Feb. 21, 1862, John Doty and Nancy Miller. Allen Hodgson, J. P. January 19, 1862, Peter Thoes and Ernestine Dieball, F. H. He- bran k, J. P. 14 EARLY HISTORY OF WA BAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Mar. 7, 1862. George W. Daily and Eliza Jane Doty, S. F. Ross, J.P. April 2, 1862, Chas. E. Bisbey and Fanny M. Read, Rev. W. A. McCollom. Nov. 13, 1862, Josiah Richards and Rachel Harriett Dunmire, H. D. Shepard, J. P. Dec. 2, 1862, Henry Schrueder and Anna Schwanke, F. H. He- brank, J. P. April 26, 1863, Wilhelm Frederick August Weber and Johanna Karoline Emelie Lehmberg, Wm. Lange, Pastor Lutheran church. May 31, 1863, Peter Metzger and Louisa Krieg, by L. Dumertice (at St. Mary's). March 16, 1863, Geo. S. Burt and Louisa B. Lines, Rev. Lewis Bod- well officiating. April 2, 1864, Wm. Lesley and Mrs Catharine Greemore, Rev. Chas. Guild. Nov. 30, 1864, Hartwig Heidel and Mrs. Apollonia Wertzberger, E. L. Lower, J. P. Jan. 19, 1865, Capt. James Smith, 7th Reg. Kans. Vols and Hattie E. Kelsey, by Rev. Chas. Guild. April 2, 1865, George F. Hartwell and Ester Sharrai, Silas Brit- tain, J. P. October 12, 1865, John Smith and Mary A. Dibble, Rev. Chas. Guild. Dec. 19. 1865, Rev. Chas. L. Berner and Mrs. Christine Selden, M. Meyer, Evangelical Lutheran minister, officiating. Jan. 12, 1866, Heinrich Kraus and Emilie Weber, by C. Berner, Evan. Luth. minister. Jan. 7, 1866, Daniel Treu and Mrs. Johanna Lugibihl, by Rev. C. Berner. April 11, 1866, Lyherdes Worcester and Jennette A. Rose, by Rev. Chas. Guild. June 14, 1866, Dr. August Brasche and Wilhelmine Henrietta Anna Schultz, by Ph. F. Johnson, J. P. April 24, 1866, John Adolph Hankammer and Mrs. Margaretha Michel, Rev. C. Berner, officiating. June 3, 1866, Adolph Hankammer and Wilhelmina Schwanke, by Rev. C. Berner. May 20, 1866, Edwin M. Hewins and Julia E. Ross, S. F. Ross, J. P. May 13, 1866, Bernard Schutter and Mary Kraszons, Phillips Call- ton, O. S. Jan. 1, 1867, Frederick Schepp and Margaritha Muehlenbacher, Ph. F. Johnson, J. P. April 8, 1867, Henry Loehrand Elizabeth Teford, Joseph Thoes, J.P. April 8, 1867, Isaac H. Isbell and Hattie D. Lines, Rev. Chas. L. Guild. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 15 May 30, 1867, James Goff and Mettie V. Russell, Rev. Chas. L. Guild. Nov. 13, 1867, J. M. Bisbey and Mary E. Earl, Rev. Chas. L. Guild. Nov. 19, 1867, Louis Liebrock and Christine Hankammer, by Ph. F. Johnson, J. P. Dec. 31, 1868, Jequarn Cahcoand Waweed Moquah, M. Gaillard, S I. May 1, 1868, John B. Cotton and Eunice M. Allen, Rev. C. S. Guild. May 11, 1888, August Gerloch and Catherine Engelhardt, G. Zwan- ziger, J. P. Aug. 20, 1868, Charles Grunewald and Henrietta Moege, G. Zwan- ziger, J. P. Dec 24, 1868, Arthur M Read and Anna Isbell, Rev. R M. Tun- nell officiating. Jan 2, 1869, Peter Coktah and Coach No Quah, Rev. M. Gaillard. Jan 29, 1869, Wm. Strasen and Emily Kietzmann, by G. Zwanzi- ger. J. P. April 8, 1869, John Boettcher and Sarah Sharp, P. F. Johnson, J.P. April 18, 1869, Adolph Zeckser and Caroline Leffier, by P. F. John- son, J. P. June 27, 1889, Moritz Kraus and Wilhelmine Welk, Carl Lang, J.P. Nov. 25, 1869, Henry Klein and Mary Hensel, Carl Lang, J. P. Jan. 5, 1870, B. C. Benedict and Sarah Dunbar, by Rev. James G. Merrill. Feb. 3, 1870, A, C. Cutler and Ellen F. Weaver, Rev. R M. Tunnell. March 3, 1870, Wm Carter and Margaret A. Shaw, Rev. Philetus Beverly. March 6, 1870 Lardner J. McCrumb and Jane A. Barker, J. W. Mossman, J. P. March 17, 1870, David F. Carter and Margaret A. Harris, by Rev. Philetus Beverly. April 14, 1870, F. M. Meredith and S. D. Carter, H. M. Reese, J. P. May 5, 1870, Ludwig Kaeckel and Henrietta Meyer, H. M. Reese, J. P. May 15, 1870, Apitec Kijek and Teresa Massowa, by A. Sweere. FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE IN DIST. NO. 10— TEMPLIN: BUILT IN 1865. 16 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. The Alma Salt Works— that in 1877 promised much and resulted in little to the sturdy farmers of the Mill creek valley who furnished the means to put the scheme on its feet— at one time sent to market from thirty to fifty barrels of pure, white salt every day. The industry wasn't all a myth and had the promoters been honest in their efforts our county might today be proud of her big salt plant. But ready cash seemed more desired than salt and the leading farmers in the vicinity of Alma generously donated the needful. The tall brick chimney, the huge iron kettles and the piles of cord-wood gave evi- dence of energy that would probably have been well expended in a good cause but for the tendency to divert other people's money out of legitimate channels and into the pockets of the manipulators. It required years of toil to counteract the baleful effects entailed on the generous farmers who were victimized by those in whom they had reposed their confidence. Mr. Hiram Ward, in his address before the old settlers' meeting at Harveyville, Oct. 10, 1895, said: "On my arrival in Kansas in 1862 I found a string of settlers along the streams and a few along the roads to catch the traveler's dimes and quarters but no orchards, though a few sprouts of trees were seen, well trimmed by cattle. The fruit was the wild grape and crab apple. We were told that we were out on the borders of the Great American desert and could not raise fruit so far west. Perhaps in the bottoms as far west as Lawrence some fruit might grow but no further. But Mr, J. M. Bisbey, of Pavilion had planted an orchard in 1855 — seven years before— proving by actual test that Kansas is a fruit country." At the October session of the board of commissioners, 1856, The Wabaunsee Ferry Company was granted a license to run a ferry across Kansas riv«r at Wabaunse'e, the following to be rates of toll: 50 cents for one pair of horses or cattle and wagon. 25 cents for every additional pair of horses or cattle. 25 cents for one horse and buggy. 20 cents for one horse and man. 10 cents per head for cattle. 5 cents per head for swine and sheep. At the January session, 1871, H. James was granted a license to maintain a ferry across Kansas river with rates as follows: For four-horse team or two yoke of oxen, 75 cents. For two-horse team, 50 cents. For one-horse team, 25 cents. Footman, 10 cents. Loose stock, per head, 5 cents. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 17 JOHN THOMAS, WITH AN ALIAS. 1 1 • $ . %-. ■ /****- sjfo'fi M "« ,-T : ■ "i ■ %. x. ■.'■„ ' One dead and three wounded— that was the result of a wholesale shooting at Maple Hill on Wednesday night, May 4, 1898. Until a few days before the shooting "Missouri John" had been employed at the Fowler ranch. John was best man in the affections of Nellie Brand, a pretty Scotch girl, until the bookkeeper, a Swede, crossed his path. Other employes, also Swedes, twitted the discharged employe about his luck, or misfortune, in the little love affair, until, in a rage, he swore he would kill every Swede on the ranch. Wednesday night, May 4th, Thomas hired a horse at Bomick's barn and went to the West ranch to see Miss Brand. Edwin Fransen and others advised him to leave, when he said: "All right, I will." and began shooting at everyone in sight— inflicting a mortal wound on Fransen and shooting Carl Kinstrom through the wrist. Another bullet ploughed through Miss Brand's hair but three or four shots fired at Smith, the bookkeeper went wild.. Thomas then rode five miles to the East ranch and calling Gus Carlson, the farm foreman, to the door, said: "Gus, you are a pretty good fellow, but you gave me away in this thing, now take that," accompanying the words by a shot from his revolver. Carlson closed the door, catching Thomas' forearm, holding him fast. In this posi- tion Thomas emptied his revolver into the room — one ball cutting several holes in the covering over young Anderson, lying in bed. After being released from the closed door Thomas fired several bullets through a window into the bed where Tom Gristy slept, but Tom had just returned from Kansas City, and on account of the rain had stopped for the night at the hotel kept by Mrs. Beaubien at Maple Hill. Fransen died at 8 o'clock Thursday evening. 18 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Thomas went westward, turning his horse loose in Nathan Matthews' pasture, and secreting his saddle in a clump of bushes, went to Halifax, staying all night and taking breakfast Friday morn- ing with Mr. J. B. Crumb. Going eastward on the railroad Sheriff Treu lost track of the fugitive — he next appearing at Ernest Wend- land's, where he stayed Sunday night. Thomas slept two nights at John Olson's, near Alta Vista, cutting off his mustache while here. At Olson's he slept with a son of H. J. J. Wege, who was unaware of the $500 reward offered for his bedfellow. May 16th Thomas passed Volland, Alta Vista, and Dwight, on foot arriving at White City in the afternoon. Here he played tramp, accepting hand-outs of the good people of White City. Thomas took the blind baggage for Herington but dropped off at Latimer, walked to Herington and returned to Templin on the local next morning. When last seen was at Lumb's place, where he took breakfast Tuesday morning, May 17th— thirteen days after the shooting at Maple Hill. J. M. Wilkerson, ex-Chief of Police of Topeka, is still looking for Thomas. He describes him as 5 ft. 10 in high, weight, 160, sandy com- plexion, very freckled, and has a scar or birthmark the size of half- dollar near small of back. John plays old-fashioned tunes on the banjo and is probably going under any other name than Thomas. The Smallpox In 1871. Mr. Herman Fink had come over from Germany and was boarding with Mr. Carl Falk, of Templin. Smallpox broke out on the ship on which Mr. Fink came across the ocean but he escaped the disease. But the germs evidently secreted themselves in his clothes-chest, for several weeks after his arrival he gave his clothes an airing and then the smallpox germs began making trouble. Mr. Falk's family was the first to be taken down. The disease spread until nearly every family in the Templin set- tlement had the smallpox, though in some families but one or two were taken down with the complaint, the others miraculously escap- ing. Though Mr. Ferdinand Zimmerman, Mr. Henry Grimm and others were in daily contact with the sick, administering to their wants no symptons of smallpox appeared. Several deaths occurred; the marks of the dread disease left behind indicate that the malady was of a nialigiianl Type. EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 19 ^ The disease spread to Alma and the settlement on the East branch —Mr. Edward Krapp having the malady in its most aggravated form and his daughter, Gertrude, dying of the same ailment. Mr. N. H. Whittemore, the county attorney died at Mr. Adolph Zeckser's, in Alma, where he was boarding, and, in all, quite a number of deaths resulted from the pestilential malady. RemarKable and ^GGentric Two more fitting adjectives could not be chosen to express the characteristics of the one man, who, more than any other, delights in regaling his Alma auditors with the varied experiences of a strenuous life. John Allen— if his calendar can be relied on— has seen 95 years and he is as hale and hearty as men of strong physique usually are at 60, But the would be skeptic as to John's age is no longer in a doubtful mood when his repertoire of adventures is unfolded. It wasn't long after the civil war that John pulled into Alma with a team of Kentucky thoroughbreds and even now he claims the owner- ship of several racers of his own raising that can beat a 2:20 clip any day. Having rode Lexington in some of his greatest races, John feels that he is entitled to more than usual credit in matters pertaining to the race course. John also brought with him a water Spaniel that he bought in Australia, on one of his trips around the world. When John came to Alma he was suffering from an open wound that he said was inflicted in a personal encounter with Colonel Dick Taylor. The blow stunned John, and that accounts for his being the sole survivor of the Fort Pillow massacre. Had the blow fallen with less force it is probable that he wouldn't have been left for dead and thereby have escaped further injury. But under the soothing influ- ences of our salubrious atmosphere an ugly scar was soon the only reminder of one of the terrible scenes enacted during the war. In John's boyhood days he was the guardian and protector of the boys of the first families of the blue grass region. He tells with delight of the days when the Clays and the Breckenridges sent him in charge of their boys to school— boys who in after years occupied prominent places in our country's history. He refers with special pride to one occasion, when, in passing through a dense forest on the way to school the boys were attacked by panthers. John oives the 20 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. number of panthers killed in going a mile as 19, and we have his word for it that nary a panther got away. John says he remembers distinctly the massacre of the people of Fort Dearborn, on the present site of Chicago. He was on the ground when Black Hawk's house and another belonging to the agent of the Pottawatomie Indians was all there was of Chicago. Of course John availed himself of the opportunity to get in on the ground floor and as his rents come in from the block of lots he had the foresight to take in he realizes that it is better to be born lucky than rich. We have it direct from John that he was with Fremont in 1849 when he passed through this county on the way to the Pacific coast. He remembers distinctly the ringing speech made by Henry Clay from the crest of Buffalo mound and says he planted a tree near the top of the mound to commemorate the occasion and that while Mr. George Clothier was county superintendent he told him the tree was still alive and in a thriving condition. John claims to have been present when Henry Clay fought a duel with Humphrey Marshall and that he still has the cane given him by Mr. Clay for holding his hat. He says that when Chicago and St. Charles, Mo. were contesting for the honor of being the center of the world St. Charles would have got it but for Henry Clay, who, during a recess of the Senate bought the deciding vote that made Chicago the winner. When acting in the role of Assistant Veterinary Surgeon in a Gov- ernment Expedition sent out to the Staked Plains an epidemic carried off a large number of the horses used by the cavalry, but John came to the rescue. He used heroic measures He would cut open the horses and remove the cause — a large worm, four or five inches in length and larger than your ringer. Then he would sew up the wound, thus fitting the horse for the hard service exacted of him on this perilous trip in the wilds of Texas One of John's most highly prized pictures is of a woman detective, with a colored boy as an attendant. He regrets that by his going under an assumed name he has been deprived of a niche in the temple of fame— won while on detached service, as a detective carrying dis- pitches between Washington and Richmond. While driving from Alma to his farm, three miles out, John says that more than once he has been delayed on his trip by a big snake that he alleges reached clear across the road and for several feet on either side. As the snake seemed about two feet in diameter it was of course necessary to await his snakeship's pleasure before continuing his journey home But John's wanderings have not been confined to the land, he hav- ing passed many years of his life on the ocean. Besides being in Cuba EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. J. P. GLEICH (dec'd), Farmer Township. MRS. J. P. GLEICH, (dec'd), Farmer Township. MR. AUGUST BRASCHE (dec'd), M. D. Former Coroner, West Branch. MRS. AUGUST BRASCHE, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. MICHAEL FIX (dec'd), Volland. MRS. MICHAEL FIX (dec'd), Volland. WW I --^W .•% i." W '• .>**i '"-.-. MR. AUGUST MEYER (dec'd;, Alma. Alma's First Postmaster. MR. LORENZ PAULY (dec'd), Alma. Former Representative, and Commissioner. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ' -'-i • MR. GEO. W. THOMPSON (dec'd), Wabaunsee Township. MR. HARVEY P. THOMPSON, Wabaunsee Township. MR. JOHN COPP (dec'd), Paxico. MR. CHRISTIAN KUENZLI (dec'd), Kuenzli Creek. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ANDREW BELL, Kaw Township. County Commissioner. MR. Wm. PRINGLE, Eskridge. County Commissioner. MR. HENRY SCHMITZ (dec'd), Alma. Former County Commissioner. MR. JOSEPH TREU (dec'd), Halifax. Former Representative and County Commissioner. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MRS. FRED. PALENSKE, Aima. MRS. L. PALENSKE, Alma. MR. FRANZ SCHMIDT, Alma. MR. G. ZWANZIGER (deceased), Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. FRANZ MEIER, Halifax. MR. JOHN HESS, (deceased) Halifax. REVEREND SILBERMANN, Alma. REVEREND ABELE, Wells Creek. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. F. L. RAYMOND, Vera. Former Representative. MR. S. A. BALDWIN, Wabaunsee. Former Representative. MR. ALBERT F. THAYER, Vera. MR. M. W. JANES, Willard. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JAMES M. JOHNSON, Harveyville. Former Representative. MR. W. M. RINEHART, Eskridge. Former Representative. MR. E. H. 8ANFORD (Dec'd), Eskridge. MR. N. H. WHITTEMORE, Former County Attorney. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ALLEN PHILLIPS (dec'd), Vera. MRS. ALLEN PHILLIPS (dec'd) Vera. MR. F. M. JONES, Willard. MR. PATRICK MAGUIRE (dec'd), Maple Hill. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. GUS DEOEGE, Farmer Township. MR. ANTON SCHEWE. Farmer Township. MR. PETER THOE3 (dec'd), Farmer Township. MR. RUDOLPH ARNDT, Templin. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 21 and the Philippines long before the Spanish war was thought of he went in an early day on a voyage to the South seas in search of the South pole, but after diligent and persevering effort he concludes the South pole is a myth. In fact it is John's firm conviction that the earth isn't round, but square— a theory he urges as tenable on the hypothesis that otherwise the Biblical .reference to the four corners of the earth would be mis- leading. We may as well state here that John has been induced to keep quiet relative to the shape of the earth in consideration of that spirit of friendship he feels towards Mr. Palenske, who has on sale several globes showing the earth to be round. But it cannot be ex- pected that after a reasonable length of time has elapsed— whether the globes are disposed of or not— John will longer withhold forcible expression of his convictions as to the earth's alleged spherical form. While John was a sailor before the mast he was often detailed to take soundings and to those long used to the familiar calls of "Mark Twain," "Quarter-less twain" "No bottom" the responses made by John sound unique. Sometimes it would be "Two thousand feet" then "five thousand feet, " fifteen thousand feet," twenty-five thous- and feet"— then the Captain would feel safe and give John a rest. Ships with masts 700 or 800 feet high, from the tops of which voices of sailors ten or twelve miles away can be heard; Mermaids, who carry ship-wrecked sailors to their homes and treat them so kindly that the Mermen fly off the handle in jealous rage; of the Island of Matanzas, with men but three feet high with beards reaching to their knees and of John's perilous trip around the Horn, after three months buffeting the waves in the vain endeavor to accomplish what was more than easy on his next trip— when the sea-captains had dug a canal, so wide you couldn't see the shore on either side— these are a few of the many things John delights to tell the land-lubbers, who gather about him and talk to him about such nonsensical things as a world round like a ball. John doesn't speak boastingly of his book-learning but as a relator of thrilling adventures by land and sea he is a world beater— well de- serving the name of Alma's most remarkable and eccentric character. FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE IN DIST. NO. 5 — NEAR DOVER. 22 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY", KAN. Pern-Go-Wye Repays a Kindness. Pem-Co- Wye was a very sick Indian and when Mr. and Mrs. Fred Palenske called at his wigwam one hot Sunday in August, 1864, he was glad to see his pale-faced visitors. Pem-Co- Wye's wigwam was located on Mill creek just below where Mr. Moritz Hund now lives. All the other Indians had gone fishing, leaving the sick Pottawatomie to keep house. The Indian had many times eaten a hearty meal at the Palenske home and he felt that the time had come to repay their many acts of kindness. The absence of the other Indians prompted Pem-Co- Wye to unburden his mind of a weight that had caused the good Indian to pass many sleepless nights— that his people thought due to the dread disease, by reason of which his once robust form was fast being reduced to a shadow. The Pottawatomies had sent out many war parties against the Pawnees but the young warriors of the tribe reasoned that it was use- less to go so far from home for ponies when their white neighbors, thinly settled as they were, on the several branches of Mill creek, had plenty of good horses and cattle they could get more easily. The young warriors had heard that the whites were fighting among themselves and they reasoned that now was their golden oppor- tunity to wreak terrible revenge on their pale-faced brothers who were fast encroaching on their lands. The good Indian's warning set Palenske to thinking and the feel- ing of uneasiness rendered the homeward journey anything but pleas- ant. But next day came Pem-Shah, another frequent Indian visitor at the Palenske home, and when he left for his tepee on lower Mill creek there was a consultation that ended with a resolve to leave the Mill creek settlement till the storm should blow over. Pem-Shah's words that had so deeply impressed Mr. Palenske but corroborated the statement made by Pem-Co- Wye the day before. He had said but a few words but they were ominous and portended coming evil. "Byrne- bye full moon come. Then Indians have heap cattle and horses." With these words Pem-Shah left. His pale-faced brother could unravel any seeming mystery his words might imply. In a few days the young warriors rode by in their war paint going EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 23 South. But they didn't go far. Up at Henry Schroeder's they pitched their camp and the nightly din of the tom-tom aroused the few- settlers along the branches of Mill creek to a sense of danger. Their nightly war dances meant something more than a raid against the Pawnees. Mr. E. G-, Ross, their agent, was appealed to, and he, accompanied by Mr. Ed. Krapp, visited their camp and induced their war chiefs to return to the reservation. Though the settlers felt relieved many of them slept in their corn fields for several weeks and Mr. Palenske, with others went to Topeka, where they remained five weeks. The young warriors threatened ven- geance against Pem-Co-Wye, having heard that he had given them away. But before the frosts came the spirit of the good Indian had departed for the other shore. Pem-Co-Wye had gone to the Happy Hunting Grounds. Me Itillee PalensKe. ■ One day in August, 1863, while Mrs. Palenske was alone in their little log cabin home on the banks of Mill creek a drunken Pottawat- omie Indian, accompanied by his squaw, rode up to the house and, waving a Colt's navy revolver in a threatening manner, said: "Me Killee Palenske." And the Indian's manner indicated that he meant just what he said. Though frightened, Mrs. Palenske was assured by the squaw that she needn't be afraid — that she would see that her spouse didn't carry out his threat. She would prevent his getting off his horse. Of course this assurance on the part of the squaw was appreciated but not until the Indian rode away did the feeling of fear pass off. But the Pottawatomie was on murder bent and down below the mouth of Hendricks creek the Indian's spree culminated in a brutal murder — he wantonly shooting down one of five brothers of an Indian family living in a wigwam near where Mr. Henry Schmitz afterwards built his residence. The brothers of the young Indian had been eye-witnesses to the terrible tragedy, and, true to the proverbial attributes of their race, wreaked quick retribution on the murderer, who, without the least provocation had taken the life of an unarmed boy. The drunken Indian who would "killee Palenske" was a quarrel- 24 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. some specimen of the Lo family upon whom the educational advan- tages of a college training had had no perceptible influence for good. On returning to his people he had discarded the garb of civilization and donned, again, the blanket of his tribe. He had left the chris- tianizing influences of his surroundings behind him but had brought with him from the Eastern school and its environs, the vices that were responsible for his undoing. A profligate career had been summarily closed and the threat to '•killee Palenske" was never carried out. Was it Murder? On August 15, 1868, Marshall Ray, Emery Fowler, J. C. Hill, Isaac Dean, E. F. Arthur and Henry Deibert drove into the Dragoon settle- ment looking for claims. Night overtaking them at my father's farm they requested the privilege of camping near the house and the further privilege of picketing their horses in a small pasture close at hand. A colored man named George Woods lived on what is now the J. M. Lee place, tending part of the plow land on the farm that summer. But the corn had been laid by and George was working by the day for such farmers as might be in need of his services, going to, and return- ing from, his work on horseback. On that day he had gone to Burlingame and it was late before he reached home. Knowing nothing of the presence of campers on the place he had let down the bars to the pasture and was in the act of turning his pony into the lot when the sharp report of a pistol rang out — the first intimation to George of the presence of strangers on the premises. George died from the effects of the wound and Ray and Fowler were arrested. The other men were detained as witnesses and all remanded to the Riley county jail after a preliminary examination before J. M. Johnson, J. P., Morris Walton being the prosecuting wit- ness and Sam Easter, constable. The accused were released on a writ of habeas corpus and a second time arrested, but for lack of sufficient evidence to convict were allowed to resume their search for a home. But the prejudice that had been aroused against them by reason of what seemed a wanton disregard of human life if not wilful murder convinced the homeseek- ers that Wabaunsee county was a good place to stay away from. The people refused to accept the plea that the shooting was due to the impression that Woods was a horse thief. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTl r . KAN. 25 'flr Precious Fair." From the Signal of Oct. 25, 1890: Under the above heading the Kansas City Times of a recent date contained an item that was not devoid of interest to the people of Alma for the reason that the parties referred to were residents here for several months and both were well known to our people. The parties referred to went by the name of Ben and Arthur Claire. On being arrested on suspicion by the police, they claimed to be brothers, but when the younger of the two was taken before the matron in charge of the woman's department he (or she) acknowledged that the clothes were worn as a disguise— that her right name was Arthie and that she was the wife of Ben Claire; that the disguise was assumed that she might be better enabled to travel through the country and the more readily secure work. Ben and Arthur (or Arthie) came to Alma sometime in May last, claiming to be brothers. Ben worked in Fox's stone quarry and Arthur was porter and runner at the Commercial House. Arthur, of course, stopped at the Commercial, while Ben boarded at Spear's restaurant— except, occasionally, when he would get a little lonesome— then he would go down and talk over business with his young brother. Arthur was a good looking boy and some of Alma's young ladies thought he was too cute for anything. But somehow the young man's popularity wasn't of the "lasty" kind. He wasn't lavish with his funds in the way of patronizing the ice cream parlors. He seemed to care more for his brother Ben than he did for the girls. And yet, with Ben and Arthur, all wasn't sunshine by any means. One day, Ben got outside of too much "original package," and the way his little brother went for Ben was a caution. He gave Ben a regular tongue-lashing. Several parties took in the fun and the wonder is that they didn't suspect the boy of being a woman on account of his nimble speech. Perhaps they would, but Arthur had a way of throwing people off their guard that was effective. He carried out this part of the pro- gram by using tobacco— both chewing and smoking. When the work shut down at the quarry, Ben and his little 26 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. brother went out to Herman Mueller's and accepted a position in the corn-cutting business. Of course they slept together as brothers should. But the boys noticed that the brothers didn't get along together the best in the world. While in the field there was a con- stant war of words and somehow the little fellow (or fellowess) would always manage to get in the last word— another bit of evidence that might have revealed her sex. When the handsome boy first struck Alma some of the girls noticed that he was awful shy. Of course they now know the reason: All girls are shy and awkward the first time they don their brother's clothes— somehow they don't seem to fit. Some of our young men now see that they were guilty of very ungallant conduct. While acting in the role of runner at the hotel the boy slept on a cot in the office — being awakened by an alarm clock in time to make the trains One night, some of our young men (we promised to withhold their names) thinking to have some fun at the boy's expense, tied his ankles together while he was asleep — for the fun they would have when the alarm clock should "gooff." Of course the boys had their fun, but now they blush away back behind their ears when they are twitted about tying a woman's ankles. The only way they can stop the racket is to set up the peanuts. There was one peculiarity about the boy — he couldn't be induced to play baseball— for fear, perhaps, that he would give himself away in trying to catch a "fly." Neither could he be induced to go in swim- ming. He said he couldn't swim and besides he was always afraid of the water. Well, some of our young men have learned a lesson. Hereafter good-looking boys will be treated to ice cream in summer and to oysters when the dog-days are gone, Item in Signal, Dec. 14, 1889: Our panther has been heard from again. As Johnnie Keagy, Fred Ross and Roland Medlicott were in the timber on Hendricks creek on Saturday last they heard the pan- ther's shrill cry. The cries came nearer and nearer until the animal was within a hundred yards of where the boys were. As the sounds increased in volume the animal's voice became less musical and the boys thereupon concluded they had no further business in that locality. It must not be supposed that the boys were afraid at all, but as the panther had never harmed them in the least, they had no ill feeling toward the brute and besides they were not looking for that kind of game. EA ELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 27 Wealth ia Cattle. From Signal, April 26, 1896: Wabaunsee county has been called the Switzerland of Kansas, for the reason, we presume, that our hills resemble mountains — to people who never saw a mountain. But besides boasting of as fertile valleys as are to be found any- where it is true that many thousands of cattle roam over our hills and fatten on the nutritious grasses thereon — requiring little or no atten- tion from their owners. These conditions have long been recognized by large cattle dealers in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and many rich, golden harvests have been gathered in by these wide-awake dealers in succulent beef- steak. But it is only within the last few years that our home people have begun to realize the fact that the treasures carried away by others can just as well be taken care of by residents of our own county. The result of this wise conclusion is seen in the number of our people employed in the cattle business, who, a few years ago, had never entertained a thought of acquiring a fortune, or even a compe- tency, through the medium of the cattle industry. We give a partial list of some of our stock men residing in Alma and vicinity who hope to reap some of the benefits from our rich, green pasture lands. Stuewe Bros 1800 M. Nicolson 1200 E. J. Buckingham 800 A. S. Allendorph 600 Kinne & Lockhart 600 Scott Thompson 500 Henderson Bros 400 Albert Thoes 400 Geo. Casey 300 Frank Brothers 200 Fred Thowe 200 Fred Crafts 130 Davis Bros 100 These figures indicate approximately the number of. cattle now on hand, though as several of the number are large dealers the numbers fluctuate. It will be seen that nearly 7,000 head of cattle are owned by a 23 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. dozen or more of our people, the greater number of whom have but recently awakened to the fact that the profits from our pasturage may as well be kept where they rightly belong — at home. In addition to the cattle owned by residents, nearly 20,000 head belonging to outsiders will be grazed in the vicinity of Alma. Of this number Mr. Buckingham will have charge of 6,000 head: Frank Bros., Davis Bros., and Kinne & Lockhart will each graze 4,000 head— the number to be grazed by the three firms aggregating 12,000 head, exclusive of their own cattle. Mr. Casey will graze about 500 head in addition to his own herd of 300. In other parts of the county large herds are owned by men who have made fortunes in cattle and who are today none the less enthusi- astic than heretofore in the belief that there is big money in the cattle business. Of this number, Mr. Frank Rickershauser of Paxico, has a large herd, as have, also, Waugh & Peters, John Rehrig and Tom Rush, of Eskridge, Fowlers, of Maple Hill, and Mr. C. Langvardt and Mr. J. W. Naylor, of Alta Vista, John Clark, of Dover, Fred Miller, of Kaw township and scores of others who years ago recognized the value of our Kansas grasses. This is a good showing and yet the cattle industry in Wabaunsee county is but in its infancy. That there is wealth in cattle has just begun to dawn on many, who, heretofore, have seemed oblivious of a fact that should have been recognized long ago. Since the above was written— six years — there have been several changes in the personnel of those actively engaged in the stock busi- ness. While a few have sought wealth in other avocations nearly all are exerting renewed efforts in a calling that brings sure returns to all. But in addition to those already named we give a partial list of others who are fast coming to the front either as dealers, or raisers of fine cattle and hogs, as follows: Frank Schmidt, Wm. Maas & Sons, August and Chas. Zeckser, Schmitz Bros., A. M. Jordan, and C. B. Fields, of Alma; Tom Wilson, Ed. Shumate & Sons, of Eskridge; Sebastian Wertzberger, H. W. Steinmeyer, Robert Fix, Henry Grimm and Wm. Home, of Volland; Otto and Henry Hess, Henry Loehr, and Finney Bros., of Halifax; C. S. Kelley and the Muckenthalers, of Paxico; Henry Fauerbach, Frank and Horace Adams, and W. J. Tod, of Maple Hill; Tom Maney, Frank Ronneau and John Maguire, of Kaw township (St. Marys); Geo. S. Burt and John O'Malley, of Wabaunsee; S. G. Cantrill, of Harvey - ville; Herman Arndt of Templin and James Cessnun of Chalk, and scores of our farmers who prove by their works their faith in Wabaun- see county as among the best stock raising centres of the world. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. a S =•■ 2 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 29 flr Free Ride in a Cattle Gar. Item in Signal, June 21, 1893: A tramp giving his name as John Fair appeared at the Atchison (Kan.) police station one night, recent- ly, bruised from head to foot, and asked permission to sleep at the station till morning. Fair said he had come to Atchison from Omaha in a through stock train and that he had the most terrible experience of his life. Shortly before the train pulled out of Omaha the tramp said he crawled into a car loaded with steers. The steers soon began to step on him and seeing that would never do the tramp climbed on the back of one of the steers. This enraged the animal and it lunged forward, exciting the other steers and there was a panic. The mad- dened steers dashed about, hooking the tramp on all sides. He put his arms about the neck of the steer that he was riding and held his grip until the train stopped at Atchison. The tramp's head had struck the top of the car a number of times and was badly bruised. When Hartman Bollier who. a few years later, was deputy supreme organizer of the Maccabees, read the above item in the Signal he called at the office and said: "That was rather a tough experience that tramp had in the cattle car wasn't it?" "Well, I got in just such a fix last summer down in Texas. I was dead broke and wanted to get back home but for the life of me I couldn't get employment of any kind. But roasting ears were cheap and car fare away down — provided the brakeman didn't watch too close. But there was the trouble. After being put off about a dozen times I looked up a cattle car and crawled in. The outlook wasn't very inviting but I mounted on the back of the biggest steer in the car and waited for develop- ments. They came soon enough and I got some hard knocks from the long-horns. When the horns would get too uncomfortably close I would crawl onto another steer— some would kick like blazes and others would tremble through fear. When a steer would get down I would lay close to his back to keep out of sight of the cow punchers until the train started again. This went on all right till I got to a little station down in the Indian Territory. Then one of the cow punchers spied me out. "What in the name of the great horn spoon are you doing in there," said the cowboy. "Oh, just taking a ride." "Come out of that or them Texas steers will kill you." "Me and 30 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. the steers for that," I answered, for tough as riding in a cattle car was it beat walking all to smash. But on being told I could ride in the caboose I bid the steers good-bye and thanked the good Lord at the prospect of getting back to Kansas. "But I wouldn't take that ride again for a million dollars." And Hartman meant every word he said. Our Genius in Umbo, From Signal, Jan. L4, 1893: While in prison, John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress, and Daniel De Foe gave to the world his Robinson Crusoe. Now Harry Faults may not have heard of either of his pre- decessors but he is, nevertheless, furnishing additional evidence that imprisonment may at times prove a blessing in disguise. Since Harry got into that little trouble by taking hold of a rope with a horse attached to the other end of it he hasn't employed his time making wooden keys to get out and prospect around for more of the same kind of ropes, but he has philosophically accepted the situation and occupies his time in constructing such things as mouse cages, toy furniture, ships, etc., indubitable evidence that Harry is a genuine mechanic. He has constructed three mouse cages, each succeeding attempt being an improvement on the one preceding. Confined in the cage last made are two mice, one a little fellow that delights to turn the wheel and the other a staid old mouse whose appearance indicates the early necessity of a further enlargement of the diminutive prison. It is amusing to watch either of the mice as they climb the sides of the rapidly turning wheel, or as they make an agile spring for the small circular opening in the upper chamber that completely hides the prisoners from view. Then, there is a dresser, or bureau, surmounted by a glass frame and with three glass drawers below. A neatly made chair and center table complete the set. But a year of Harry's life was passed on the ocean. At one time for more than fifty days he did not put his foot on the land— on a voyage from Galveston, Texas, to Amsterdam. Harry hasn't forgotten how ships that sail the bright seas over are built, and among other things he has constructed three models of vessels. The last one made is, of course, the best, and is a thing of beauty. Each, mast has its shrouds— or rope ladders, as a landsman or an EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 31 editor would call them— made of thread. There are the hatchways, and the galley, or cook house, and, a genuine wheel with cogs to turn it. Oar reporter never saw a real ship but he has seen lots of models and pictures of them and this looks just like them— it is as pretty as a picture. But Harry calls this a brigantine, which goes to show that our reporter don't know a sbip when he sees one. Harry being in jail, you may wonder, maybe, where he got his tools. You will think, probably, that he has a full kit. Well, he has, bat the kit is a mighty small one— only a saw, a small nail, and a piece of glass— nothing more, and what a saw. It is about four or five inches long and nearly a half inch wide, the teeth being mere notches in the tin. But with these makeshifts of tools Harry does neat work, sawing out thin slabs from old cigar boxes— of which material the greater part of the various pieces of handiwork are constructed. Harry has gone wrong and his mistake should be a warning to the hundreds of young men growing up to man's estate who are leaving their manhood in the lurch. But Harry may have a better future before him. For awhile he may be compelled to sit on the stool of repentance— then, we hope a brighter future will welcome him to a field of usefulness in the industrial world beyond the portals of the Alma jail. mtending Court in the Sixties. From Signal of Feb. 11, 1893: Mr. L. J. McCrumb was in attend- ance at court doing jury service this week and was, as usual, full of reminiscences of Auld Lang Syne. It is nearly 25 years since his first experience as a juryman in Wabaunsee county. Court was held in the Kaufman building (our first court house), Judge Morton presided, and John Winkler kept the only hotel in town, but Uncle Henry Schmitz supplied the hungry with crackers and cheese, and as many of those in attendance at court brought along their provisions in baskets and slept in the hay-mow in Schmitz & Meyer's barn— to curtail expenses— such little inconveniences as a lack of accommodations were unworthy of mention. There were but three or four houses in Alma then and most of the jurors picketed their horses on the prairie within fifty yards of the court room. A court incident of the term is worthy of mention here. Robert Marrs, of Dragoon creek, one of the jurors, had picketed his horse near 32 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. where Falk's marble works are now located. A case was on trial and Mr. Marrs was on the jury. Looking out of the window he saw a passing colporteur pick up his bridle and drive off with it. Bob couldn't stand that, and, rising from his seat, he said, excitedly: "Judge will you excuse me a minute? A man out yonder is stealing my bridle." Of course Judge Morton stopped proceedings and Mr. Marrs lost no time in securing possession of his bridle, at the same time giving the thief a piece of his mind. Mr. McCrumb rode to court on the back of an Indian pony of the Pottawatomie breed and during his week's stay turned his pony into Schmitz & Meyer's hay lot on the Mueller corner. The bill for the week's feed for the pony was twenty-five cents. Mr. McCrumb will retain many pleasant memories of the early days but not the least among them will be the recollection of his first jury service in the courts of Wabaunsee county. f\ FJerninisGenGe. Thirty-one years ago was the time and the little frame school house in Aima— just south of the court house — was the place— where we attended our first examination for a teacher's certificate. Mr. William F. Cotton was county superintendent, and Mr. John T. Keagy, a young attorney just out from Pennsylvania, was the only associate examiner. Among the other applicants for a certificate was Mr. M. K. Andei- son, of Rock creek, who, even then wasn't a young man. Mr. W. A. Doolittle, afterwards county attorney, was another applicant. His whiskers just as long as when we last saw him and the hair on his head some longer. Mr, Percival Hawes, the Alta Vista postmaster, was there, also, and he, too, had a flowing beard. Mr. Hawes, a few years later was elected clerk of the district court. We believe there was but one lady applicant, Miss Sallie Piatt, now the wife of Mr. John Sudweeks, ex-representative, of Eskridge. There were other applicants but their names we can't recall. Amons; the visiting teachers was Mr. J. M. Lingfelter, afterwards superintendent, then a teacher and resident of Wabaunsee. The examination was oral and all received certificates. It was our first examination and our first experience in the school room was in District 27— the first term in the, then, new school house. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 33 In those days the institute was unknown. But later on it came and with it, many new conditions that are commendable. Then, the teachers were to one another unknown, They are better acquainted now, . Besides being- beneficial from an educational standpoint the insti- tutes are profitable in other ways. The associations of a month are sometimes very pleasant, but, occasionally, they deprive our education- al system of a teacher. We know quite a number who have quit the business — conditions due mainly to the institute. But if they are happier as housekeepers than as teachers who can say them nay. At the first annual institute the teachers boarded more in clubs than now. There were even then houses to rent. One — not a very large one however — was located on the lot belonging to Mrs. J. R. Fix, of Yolland — on which the Henry Pauly house was moved. By reason of its color the house was called the "Little Brown Jug." It was afterwards moved to the corner of Main and Missouri streets, and, later, farther north — adjoining the Pries store — the front being pulled out to save that, and the adjoining buildings, from burning. Among the occupants of the "Little Brown Jug" at that first institute was a prominent young lady from Wabaunsee, who, several years after attended as a delegate to a temperance convention — further proof that there's nothing in a name. But it is said that three years is the life of a teacher— in the school-room. That was ten times three years ago and a full grown young gentleman of Maple Hill now addresses that teacher of but yesterday as "Mama." But, none the less, the days of Auld Lang Syne are recalled. Arri InnoGent /Woad. He was not one of Mark Twain's creations— but a genuine speci- men of the genus homo from the rural districts of Wabaunsee county. We could tell his name, but for obvious reasons we will call him Smith — John Smith will do. Well, in the month of January, 1892, John went down to Kansas City (that wicked town down at the mouth of the Kaw) on business, of course. 34 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. "When John's business was transacted he hied himself to the Union depot, to take the train for home. John's only companion was a black carpet sack, containing a well- worn suit of clothes, a pair of overshoes and a last year's almanac — not a very valuable collection — and for this reason, perhaps, John thought it unnecessary to pay ten cents at the check stand to insure the safety of the aforesaid carpet sack until the departure of his train. John had but a few minutes to wait, but in that few minutes a stranger came in with an unsteady gait and a black carpet sack— the latter a perfect match to that containing John's ancient wardrobe. The stranger sat down in tbe seat next to John and put his carpet sack alongside of the one John was patiently guarding. John noticed the similarity of the two carpet sacks but he failed to notice the stranger's disappearance, and with him the black carpet sack that contained John's second best suit of clothes and the last year's almanac. But before long John's train was called and not until then was he aware that the carpet sack he picked up was not bis property. His suit of clothes didn't weigh much and the last year's almanac wouldn't make the old carpet sack pull down like — " Brickbats !" Yes, John had been buncoed. That innocent, swaggering stranger wasn't as drunk as he would have folks believe. John had read all about just such tricks being played on country Jakes, and with all his cuteness he had been buncoed out of a suit of clothes — not a very valuable suit, but they were wortb more than ail the brickbats you could stuff in a dozen black carpet sacks. But John had no idea of leaving the supposed brickbats without first having made a personal inspection of the inside of that carpet sack. No sooner was the train under way than John was peering into that load of brickbats. But the first thing his eyes rested on wasn't a brickbat — that is, it didn't look like one — on the outside. It seemed too long and it was round instead of square. John unwound the paper wrapper — or rather the three or four paper wrappers, and on the inside was a bottle of John Spangler's grippe antidote. Underneath this was another package just like the first, and a little farther down were two flat bottles, each labeled "Old Rye Whiskey, 1865." On the other side there was a variation in the program. In the first bundle oDened was a full suit of silk underwear and EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 35 besides a pair of kid gloves, two pairs of embroidered slippers, and — two half-gallon jugs— one of Jamaica rum and the other of Old Scotch whiskey." Were it not for the fact that John is a staunch prohibitionist we would be tempted to pronounce his story a little bit fishy, but we guess it is straight goods, for John wears his good clothes every day in the week now, and every time we see him he gets up close— so we can smell his breath— and it's all O. K. There's no scent of coffee, cloves, or tangle-foot about it. John says he's going to Kansas City again before long and they can bunco him again if they want to. He's strictly temperate, but he has a mortal fear of the grippe, and when so many folks are down with the blasted complaint it is mighty bandy to have lots of prevent- ive in the house — especially in a prohibition state, where, in case of sickness, such sovereign remedies can't be had for love nor money. If you want corroborative proof of the above write to George Foster. The last we heard of him his post office address was Kansas City, Kansas. He was practicing law down there — but it seems to us he was taking desperate chances — of being buncoed some more. Sonis Jail Deliveries. "Boys we are going out of here tonight." These were the words used by Thomas Babcock in the Alma jail on the night of June 3, 1890 The boys referred to were Ed. Gordon and Scott Holt, his two com- panions. Babcock was a waiter on a Rock Island dining car before his arrest for stealing diamonds and jewelry to the amount of $400 from Mrs. W. S. Johnson, a lady passenger on the west-bound train at McFarland. Holt was charged as an accomplice, and Ed. Gordon was in jail for hiring a team at Romick's barn, at Maple Hill, and driving in the wrong direction. His alleged destination was Ad. Thompson's, on Mission creek, but when next heard from he was in Carroll county, Arkansas, taking his best girl riding in Romick's buggy. Sheriff Hull went to Arkansas and on March 23rd placed Gordon behind the bars in the Alma jail. The "boys" thought Babcock was joking but when he inverted the jail lock — with a big key-hole in the lower end— and began pouring 36 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. in a charge of powder they concluded to repair to the rear cell for fear of accidents. After inserting a fuse and driving in a pine plug, Babcock wrapped a blanket about the lock to deaden the- sound and — well, although Gordon had covered his head with the blankets, he said the explosion sounded like a cannon. Babcock had verified his statement. The boys walked out and the jail was empty. But time hung heavily on their hands and they went fishing — at any rate the first report from the fugitives came from Nehring branch, up which stream they were leisurely sauntering with fish-poles over their shoulders and one of them carrying a bait can — filled with the remains of their last supper — in the Alma jail. The trio stayed at Jacob Schreiber's that night and the next morning hired Milhird Blankenship to drive them to Carbondale, but Millard, at their request, set the three men out on the prairie two miles southwest of Auburn. Sheriff Hull was in Eskridge but he immediately offered a reward of fifty dollars each for the arrest of the escaped prisoners, and with half a dozen assistants was soon hot on the trail. All stations between Burlingame and Topeka were watched and nothing being seen of the fugitives the country east of Carbondale was scoured. News that the fugitives were seen traveling east was learned at the first house, prompting a close watch of the Missouri Pacific and Carbondale roads. Nothing resulting it was at once concluded that the blind man — Gordon — was piloting the diamond merchants — Babcock and Holt — overland to Lawrence. At Lincoln — a small post office, ten miles east of Carbondale, it was learned that a man wearing goggles was taking a rest at a house thirty feet from the roadside. A few minutes later Gordon was comfortably seated in the buggy between Sheriff Hull and the writer. Then it was a red-hot race for Lawrence — it now being evident that point was the goal Holt and Babcock hoped to reach. The race was a hot one in a double sense. The sweat dripped from the horses' sides as they sped on their way. But soon it was learned that a man driving a sewing machine wagon was inquiring for the same parties and was not far behind the prisoners. Sheriff Hull, feeling that the capture of the jail birds was assured, gave the team a much needed rest and a light feed of grain— after which the race was resumed. Lawrence was soon reached and when Sheriff Hull drove up to the jail, a familiar rig was hitched to a post. On the tail-board of the machine wagon was the name: "Will Pippert, Alma, Kansas." Will had overtaken the prisoners riding on a load of wood. As his team was nearly run down he drove leisurely behind the wood wagon for two miles and then startled Holt and Babcock by saying: "Boys, EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 37 you had better ride with me awhile," emphasizing his request by- pointing a shotgun in the direction of the wood wagon. They had no other thought than that Will was returning from a trip in the country after delivering a sewing machine. Had they got sight of that sign on the rear end of his spring wagon things might have been different. Just three and a half days after the explosion in the Alma jail Sheriff Hull again turned the key on the three jail birds, but he was out just one hundred dollars reward money. But Gordon's thoughts were with the girl he left behind him — after that buggy ride down in Arkansas. He longed for the invigor- ating atmosphere of the Ozarks. Sheriff Hull thought the trip would be bad for Gordon's eyes but one Sunday (Aug. 18th) he would let him and Babcock exercise in the hallway of the court house while he and Scott Holt— who was about sick with malaria — would enjoy the cool breeze on the front door steps. Noting the absence of Gordon the sheriff was informed by Babcock that he had stepped out of the back door. Hustling the two prisoners into the jail as quickly as possible Sheriff Hull made strict but unavail- ing search for the runaway. Cards were sent out but not until Wednesday was the first clue obtained. Frank Blanc brought word that Gordon had stopped Tues- day night at Philip Bach's, leaving at 4 o'clock Wednesday evening. The reward of $100 offered by Sheriff Hull induced a half dozen parties to join in the pursuit, but, Gordon, by his zigzag course and playing the farmer racket — building fence, etc.— gave the boys a merry chase till Thursday night, when he was captured at Council Grove. FMday afternoon Sheriff Hull again turned the key on the slickest prisoner ever landed in the Alma jail. . The latter statement could be corroborated by two well-known citizens of Alma, who had joined in the search. Seeing a man walk- ing along the road they concluded that hundred dollars was as good as theirs, but when he passed under the wire fence and began building fence they concluded he was a genuine granger and owner of the farm. Asking him the way to Council Grove, his ready answer seemed proof positive that he wasn't the man they were looking for. On making inquiry at the next house for Gordon they were asked if they hadn't seen him a short distance down the road. On driving back the bird had flown — but not far away — Gordon was lying in a washout just across the road-— waiting for his pursuers to tie their team and continue their search afoot. If Gordon couldn't take his best girl buggy riding he would take an airing on his own account. He was tired of walking. At the close of the October term of court Gordon took a ride— to Lansing. 38 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Bitten by a Tarantula. In the fall of 1891, some Alma boys went down into Oklahoma, and on their return had a good deal to say about the fine climate, the rich soil, and the flocks of wild turkeys in that country, but one of their number was mum about his narrow escape from the bite of a taran- tula. The boys had lain awake until a late hour regaling our tender- foot with stories of huge rattlers, centipedes and tarantulas, and when the occupants of the tent were aroused a few hours later by a series of blood curdling yells, they were prepared for the worst. Ten- derfoot had been bitten by a sure-enough tarantula. A light was struck and there were two plainly visible marks on the calf of the leg, where the monster spider had inserted his fangs. The remedies at hand were few, but the boys did their best to save the life of their comrade. They bound salt on the wound and poured about a pint (all they had) of axle grease down the throat of the suffering victim. Then the patient was dosed with wahoo bark, the bitterest decoction a man ever swallowed, but the boys had a desperate case on their hands and a successful termination could be hoped for only by resort- ing to heroic measures. The patient was awful sick— from the effects of the axle grease and the wahoo but he got over it and on his return— with his com- rades — to Alma there were no visible evidences of the terrible ordeal through which he had passed while down in Oklahoma. But no sooner had he arrived in Alma than he availed himself of the oppor- tunity to interview one of our attorneys — to see if he couldn't make a state case against the boys for the trick they had played upon him. The boys had stuck a couple of pins an inch or so into his leg, and the joke being too good to keep, they had given the whole thing away. When George Tenderfoot came to town he invariably brought his shotgun along, giving it out that he was hunting prairie chickens, but the Oklahoma crowd had important business elsewhere until the victim of their joke got out of town. Doctor Syntax is a permanent resident of Oklahoma now— in fact has lived there several years, but he has never yet been called on to administer another dose of axle grease to save a patient from death from the bite of a tarantula. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 39 The Lesson of Sam. Sam wasn't what some people deem fit to call a "calamity howler" hut one of the boys who had heard every day of the prosperous condition of our people. But somehow Sam didn't share in that condition of prosperity to any great extent. So it was quite natural that he should swipe some of the good things around him. For instance, one of his neighbors possessed a turkey that was fair to louk upon. This particular turkey was of the feminine gender, and she looked forward to the time when the eggs on which she was setting should be transformed into a brood of rambling turkeys. But Sam had an eye on the eggs, and their peculiar speckled appearance created a desire within his breast to own the whole bakery. In this case the thought was father, to the wish and Sam lost no time in carrying out that wish — and the eggs went along for company. But the eggs looked lonesome. Sam had heard the song — "What is home without a mother?" and he thought of the motherless turkeys that he would have on his hands in case the eggs should hatch without the assistance of Mrs. Turkey. Now, Sam is of a sympathetic turn and the thoughts of the trials and hardships of a dozen orphan turkeys prompted him to look out for a mother to the prospective waifs. It struck him that his taking the eggs had thrown the old turkey out of a job, and, probably, this prompted him to give the turkey that laid the eggs the preference in letting the job out. At any rate the turkey went the same route taken by the eggs, and that is what got Sam into trouble. So Sam was allowed to rest in the Alma jail to ponder over the penalties attendant upon ways that are dark and tricks that are vain, wondering whether the reform movement had anything in store for him, or mayhap, he was thinking of the effect the McKinley bill would have on unhatched turkey eggs. 40 • EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Item in Signal, April 26, 1890: One day last week, as a man on a tricycle, accompanied by a jug of snake bite antidote was going towards Manhattan lie met a freight train going in the opposite direc- tion at the rate of 35 miles an hour. As there was not room on the track for both — the train and the tricycle— there was a collision. When the lone passenger saw that something must happen he grasped the treasure'most dear to his heart— the jug, and, shutting his eyes, was' just preparing for a jump, when the locomotive struck the bow of his craft. Instead of landing on terra firma, as he intended, he found himself sprawling on the cow-catcher, with his head jammed against the boiler— but the jug was all right. The tricycle was thrown on top of the bank. When the train men went forward to pick up the pieces, they found the jug's contents in good condition, and the man, save a few contusions on the head, able to take a rational view of the situa- tion. After a mournful glance over the remains of his tricycle, he said: "Boys, that was a narrow escape, let's take a drink." Years ago Wabaunsee county had an oil excitement. The party responsible for it had a few weeks before unearthed a bonanza in the way of an ochre bed that had failed to meet the expectations of the finder. But the prospect for oil was more flattering. In this case the oil was to be seen floating on the surface of a spring 1 from which the water supply for the family was wont to be taken. But the oil float- ing on the surface imparted such a disagreeable flavor to the water that it was no longer fit for drinking purposes. An old oil expert was called in and when he stated that the offensive odor was a peculiar property of coal oil in its crude state the property owner was more than ever convinced that he had a bonanza on his premises. But further investigation by the expert disclosed the source of the offen- sive oil. It came from a point not far above the spring, where lay the decaying carcass of a skunk. And thus was blighted the fond hopes of one who proved to be the innocent victim of Wabaunsee county's first oil excitement. But another oil excitement brought better results. It came to the people of Alma — in a well, this time. The w.ater tasted so strong of coal oil that nobody could drink it. The suggestion that some joker had poured oil into the newly dug well was unheeded. One wiseacre said there was more oil in that well than in all the houses and stores in town. The news spread far and wide. A company was formed and a hole was bored 600 feet deep. But instead of coal oil, salt was found. Then came the Alma salt works with an output of thirty barrels of prime salt a day — an industry that might have proven a very large infant— and it all grew out of that pint of coal oil,, that, in a joke, Mr. Fred Link poured into the well he was digging for N Mr. John Winkler. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. DR. M. F. TRIVETT, Eskridge. JUDGE THEODORE S. SPIELMAN, Alma. MR. P. L. WOODY, Snokomo. MRS. P. L. WOODY, (deceased), Snokomo. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. /*39«ff5^ \ fy^Sl MR. S. H. FAIRFIELD, Alma. Former Register of Deeds, and County Treas. MR. C. O. KINNE, P. M., Alma. Former County Clerk. MR. ROBERT STROWIG, Paxico. MR. DOW BUSENBARK, Editor Eskridge Star. Former County Commissioner. Former County Superintendent. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. CHAS. B. HENDERSON, Alma. MR. ARTHUR S. ALLENDORPH, Alma. MR. J. H. JONES, Pavilion. Former County Attorney, and Surveyor. MR. B. BUCHLI (dec'd), Alma. Former County Surveyor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. WYATT ROUSH, Alma. Clerk District Court. MR. T. J. PERRY, Alma. County Superintendent of Schools. MR. B. BUCHLI, Alma. County Clerk. MR. JOS. LA FONTAINE, Alma. County Treasurer. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Me. Feed Feey. Sheriff, Alma. Me. Feank Schmidt, Under Sheriff, Alma. Me. Feank Wiedemann, Deputy Sheriff, Alma. Me. Feank Clayton, Deputy Sheriff, Alma. FRED AND THE THREE FRANKS. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JAMES CARROLL, Alma. MR. FRED. A. SEAMAN, County Attorney, Alma. MR.:WILLIAM DREBING (deceased), Halifax. MR. MICHAEL HUND (deceased), Newbury. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. J. B. FIELDS, Alma. MR. OSCAR SCHMITZ, Alma. MR. P. P. SIMMONS, Eskridge. MR. H. B. CHANNEL, Chalk. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. J. W. ROBERTSON, Eskridge. MR. MARK PALMER, Eskridge. MR. WM, T. ECKLES, Eskridge. mr. ross Mccormick, Aima. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. L .. MR. ED. CAMPBELL, Eskridge. MR. A. T. TAYLOR, Eskridge. MR. C. C. GARDINER, Bradford. MR. J. J. MITCHELL, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. «% f^k tl i *^^: rfitMMn ~ , * ^ "^jMBU 3p V --^ v. • * MR. AND MRS. GEO. S. CONNELL, Paxico. MR. AND MRS. CHAS. BCRGETT, Eskridge. MR. JOHN A. HANKAMMER (dec'd), Farmer Township. MR. ADAM KRATZER (dec'd) Hendricks Creek. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 41 /t Jlist Tribute to the Germans. Signal, Jan. 2, 1892: Our German* residents, who are engaged in the business of farming, are proverbially thrifty and successful. We were led to reflect upon the reason for this recently when going through a comparatively new region that had been lately settled by them. The fields, to be sure, were clean and well cultivated, but not so strikingly different from others in this respect as to care for special comment; but every farm possessed a good barn. The houses were small, and cheap, as a rule, and no more money had been expended on them than was required to make them serve the stern necessities of life, but the barns were large and substantial, and, what is more, they were utilized. The crops were housed in them, and not left exposed in the fields. There was room for all the stock, so that it could be kept clean and comfortable. We presume these barns had been built only by the most stringent self-denial. Perhaps money had been bor- rowed and the farm mortgaged to do it. If so, it was the part of wisdom for it is just as true that a good barn will earn double the interest on the cost each year as it is true that a poor farm will make a poor farmer. — Extract from an Exchange. The above will apply to the situation in Wabaunsee county as well as anywhere. The foundation for the thrift that is characteristic of our German residents lies in the fact that their live stock — the great- est source of income are well cared for and comfortably housed. They are not of that class of farmers who sell off their corn in the fall and the hides of their cattle in the spring. Though the above was writ- ten years ago no more fitting tribute could today be paid our thrifty German farmers, who have done more than their share to transform bleak prairies into comfortable homes no longer typified by the squalid* structure of pioneer days. Thrift, born of frugality, is evidenced in the substantial stone residence or frame mansion, that compared with the former homes of our people, are palatial in appearance, to say nothing of their comfortable surroundings. The following extract from the Kansas City Star, published in the Signal a few weeks subsequent to the above is a deserved tribute to our German fellow citizens that we feel constrained to insert here. "In a hasty estimate of the German character as developed in this country 42 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. it may be said that its leading traits are honesty, truthfulness, thrift and devotion to home and family. The German, whether as an em- ploye, in business for himself, or in the pursuit of a profession, or science, is a steadfast worker. He aims always at a competence, but he never seeks it through devious methods. He saves his money, but he does not cheat himself or his family to do so. His home is always as good a one as his means afford without extravagance. His family is contented and happy because he shares with his wife and children the fruits of his labor. He has a high idea of principle and is earnest and enthusiastic in his advocacy of what he believes to be right. He is a good citizen, is deferential to the law, tenacious of his own rights, but tolerant of the rights of others, and seeks all the honest comforts which are to be found in lite for himself, his family, and his friends. ftow the Old Pioneer UWed. Prompted either by verdancy, or a proneness to ask questions, inquiries are often made as to the numerous expedients resorted to by the old pioneers that the wolf, hunger, might be kept at bay. The people living today in Wabaunsee county capable of giving to the questions asked answers based on personal observation and experi- ence are few in number, and these are fast passing away. If we would inform ourselves from first hands the time is oppor- tune and the occasion pressing. Though reluctant to review the hardships of the early days there are those among us who could relate incidents that would impart a Munchausen flavor to the recital and yet be as worthy of credence as gospel truths. And yet these seeming hardships were not without their compen- sations. But a little reflection suggests the doubt as to the existence of any greater hardships in the experience of the old pioneers than have characterized the lives of those who may look upon their own period of existence as golden in comparison. If the viands were few the appetite was good and digestion was never impaired by partaking of a multiplicity of dishes, some of the ingredients of which wouldn't pass muster before a board delegated to examine into their hygienic value. Modern methods and scientific research have but evolved such breakfast delicacies as toasted wheat flake from that which the EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 43 pioneer housewife still regards as far superior —mush and milk— often with the milk wanting. The modern epicure is ever ready to extol the merits of the Mexican tortilla but is oblivious to the toothsome- ness of a dish of parched corn— and yet it is simply a case of "before" and "after" taking. One is rendered edible before grinding, and the other, after being ground in a Mexican hand mill. But our fore- mothers used a coffee grinder and never dreamed that the product wasn't palatable and wholesome till their grandchildren began to enumerate the hardships endured by the old settlers. These same granddames never dreamed that it was a hardship to wear old clothes, when— there were no callers, or, if so, all met on a common level— the one being no better apparelled than the other. But those who would withhold their approval of the early-day diet of pumpkins and bread might well bear in mind the fact that some- times there was a variation in the bill of fare— often the bread was lacking. If there was a dearth of cream to render the dish of pump- kin more palatable there was no gormandizing, and, perforce, no dyspeptics— hence no doctors needed, and the services of no under- taker in demand. While enumerating the hardships that fell to the lot of the old pioneers don't forget the absence of purse proud capitalists with mortgages to foreclose, hence from the sheriff or constable there were no unwelcome calls, or, in fact, calls from officials— would be— or other- wise—except those of biennial recurrence characterized by a periodical and newly excited interest in the health of the youngest baby, or the outlook for crops, and— votes— and the latter, merely incidental. The old pioneer will tell you truly that there were no hardships in the early days that would embitter the cup of happiness as do the trials of today. If there was isolation, there was, also, contentment. If of luxuries there was a dearth, no canker of debt-worm followed in the wake of the few that were the more heartily enjoyed by reason of that scarcity. The pioneer's strong arm and earnest endeavor laid the foundation upon which was builded the happy home— where, in later years, sur- rounded by those held above all things else most dear, he laid himself down to rest. When the last of his kind shall have been gathered to his fathers may the living be ever mindful that he left no legacy that he would not have them enjoy to the full. In their behalf he labored. For them he passed through the many trying ordeals that lay in his pathway. That our own journey through life might be all the more enjoyable the old pioneer endured every hardship without a murmur. He obeyed uncomplainingly the Biblical injunction to earn his daily bread 44 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. by the sweat of his brow and found enjoyment therein. Let us emu- late his example; do homage to his memory, and endeavor to enjoy with him his reward in that home beyond the Grave. Our Resources and ProspeGts. Of resources we have: 810 square miles of territory. A desirable climate and a soil of unsurpassed fertility. Well tilled farms and an industrious, energetic people. A plentiful supply of good water, excellent natural roads and un- limited facilities in the line of building material. Good health for all and ample wealth as a certain reward for the frugal and progressive people of every class who choose to cast their lot with us. As to our prospects: Possessing many natural advantages and having but few draw- backs Wabaunsee county stands second to none as a desirable location for the homeseeker. While fortunes are not made in a day with us there is in store for the honest, industrious and deserving a life of happiness, contentment and prosperity. We enter here no appeal for an influx of population. We speak in the interest of no land agent or. syndicate. Our duty is simply that of a recorder of facts relating to the past and the present. We are will- ing that the future shall take care of itself, believing as we do that we have a future and such a one as can but be based on a solid foundation. The foundation is already laid. The brawn and muscle of pioneers of 35 and 40 years ago begun the work that has been so creditably carried forward by their successors. There is no lack of material for the completion of the structure and we have no fear as to the handi- work of the builders of the future. Our natural resources are unsurpassed, and our acquired facilities are unexcelled. We need but to continue what has already begun. Right here we are reminded of a remark handed down by one of our best informed German citizens of years ago. Tie went down at Platte Bridge but his words still live. In his broken English the Sebastian Nehring of years ago said: "This is a good country— much better in many respects than the Fatherland. The vine-clad hills of the old country are not so rich as EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 45 the rocky hills of Wabaunsee county. Children now living will one day see these hills covered With the vine and great clusters of the grape will hang pendant on the hills that are now bare." And Sebastian Nehring believed in that which will ere long come true. The development of our resources may be less rapid than he thought but it will come. Look back ten years and see how marked the change. Another decade farther back and yet more marked may be seen the changes time has wrought. Ten years again and we are lost. No school houses, and churches, none. The deer and the ante- lope are seen on our hills and the buffalo is not far away. And the Indian, though not hostile, his presence is a suggestion of danger that is not all a myth. Forty years ago the log cabin was the rule and teams of oxen furnished the only means of travel and freight transportation. From necessity the ways of the people were primitive; from neces- sity they were compelled to resort to expedients that were not any the more agreeable for the reason that their adoption was not a matter of choice. But that adversity that marked the beginning has served to render the homes of our people doubly dear to those with whose lives that adversity is entwined. • » The dark hours of the past are illumined by the brightness of future promise. Now and then there may be a halt. Short crops may in the future as in the past cause anxious borebodings, but the dark clouds will disappear and the failing heart will be imbued with new life by the silver lining that lay hidden beyond. With the past we have successfully battled. That a bright future is in store for us we mav rest assured. Janurary 4th being Saturday, Mr. Oliver Smith, teaching in the Thoes district concluded to go to Alma and as it was very cold he thought it would be a good time to break in his new skates. Being asked as to the thickness of the ice, he said he found one place where it was about a quarter of an inch thick, but from the temperature of the water below the prospect for four foot ice was good. As he didn't break through any place where the ice was thick he could give no information that would be of value to a man going into the ice busi- ness. The point where he broke through was two miles from town and the weather being of the zero variety, his clothes were imme- diately frozen stiff, but he said he wasn't a bit cold till he got to the lire and the water began dripping from his wearing apparel. 46 EARLY HISTORY OF W ABA UNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ft Cheyenne Raid. *June 3, 1868, 400 Clieyennes with their war painton came swooping down on Council Grove. There was a big scare but the Clieyennes were after the Raws instead of the whites. A short time before a Kaw Indian was herding the ponies belonging to the tribe when 8 Clieyennes put in their appearance and after killing the lone Indian drove off the ponies he was herding. The Clieyennes then attempted to drive the ponies by a circuitous route into their camp, but the Kaws had witnessed the killing from the top of a hill and collecting a number of their warriors they killed 7 of the 8 Clieyennes and captured 40 ponies besides retaking their own herd. The Clieyennes wanted 7 Kaw scalps and 40 ponies but after skir- mishing awhile among the hills about the Grove they left postponing the settlement of the scalp account to some future time. The same year the Clieyennes raided the farms in Marion county, driving off some stock but killing none of the settlers. But by reason of their presence many families slept for weeks in the corn fields, fearing that during the night their houses would be burned to the ground. Signal, March 19, 1892: A few years ago a bright young fellow was working as a farm hand for Uncle Henry Schmitz. But his aspirations were in another direction. He attended the Agricultural college at Manhattan and afterwards entered the ministry. Among the appoint- ments made at the M. E. Conference we notice that of Rev. Dan. Brum mitt, Maple Hill. Rev. Brummitt and the young farm hand are one and the same, and our knowledge of the young fellow induces the belief on our part that the people of Maple Hill will have no cause to regret his coming among them by reason of his having followed the *One of 'our youngest county officers, Mr. D. U. Millison, distinctly remembers this raid. His parents resided in Council Grove at the time, and though but a boy of six years he remembers being crowded into a place of safety with the other children and their mothers till the scare was over. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 47 plow, Roger Sherman was a cobbler and yet a few years later he was an honored representative of the people at the National capital; -the poet, Whittier, was a farmer's boy, and nothing grieved him so much on leaving the old homestead as the parting from a pair of favorite oxen of his own raising; Henry Clay was a farmer's boy and with his rope bridle and sack of corn was known as the "Mill boy of the Slashes;" Daniel Webster was another farmer's boy, who received his education from the proceeds of a mortgage on the home that sheltered his aged parents, but in after years when he electrified the nation with his eloquence, no one honored him the less by reason of his former humble avocation. "Wooh!" It was a terrible night in the winter of '61. The winds howled without and the fine particles of snow sifted through the clap-board roof of the Michael Fix home on West branch. The war was going on and Robert was away in the army— having enlisted in an Indiana regiment, while one of the brothers was with Kit Carson, in New Mexico. In the Fix home there was but one room below and a half story above, but the one room was 14x22 — a big house in those days. There was a stove at one end and a huge fireplace at the other. In cold weather it was the custom to replenish the fire one or more times during the night and when Mother Fix awoke the smoldering embers and the chilly atmosphere suggested to her that the duty of rebuild- ing the fire had been too long delayed. There was a pile of wood in the corner nearby and she would get up and throw on a few sticks. Michael was sound asleep and it would be cruel to wake him. But when that piercing "Wooh!" broke the stillness of the night Michael's snoring ceased and he sat bolt upright in bed, asking in a tone of anxiety: "What's the matter?" But the faint, flickering light from the burning embers told the story. Prone on the floor lay a score of Indians— of all ages and both sexes. On one of these the feet of Mrs. Fix had rested in getting up to rebuild the fire. But a familiar voice answered Mr. Fix's question. "No hurtee. Indians cold. Heap storm outside." A band of twenty Pottawatomies had been camped down by the creek (where the mill was built in 1872) and the storm of wind and 48 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. snow had driven them out of their hastily constructed wigwams. Many cold nights before they had enjoyed a good nap, wrapped in their blankets before the huge fireplace in the Fix cabin and when the storm burst upon them they didn't wait for an invitation to call again — even at an unseemly hour. There was no lock on the door and the latch-string was out— why awaken their pale-face friends from their slumber? Thus the Indians had reasoned. They had for years looked upon the old mill-site almost as their own. With each returning winter came the same band of Indians, always camping near the spot where the mill stood later on. The Indians had many times eaten a hearty meal in the Fix home, but they were not beggars, by any means. Many a saddle of venison had been brought to the Fix cabin to partly compensate their friends for the many kindnesses shown. In the hills on West branch there were many deer in those days and Mr. Fix was the owner of one of the best rifles in the country — that the visiting Indians never failed to borrow on their annual return to their favorite hunting grounds. In the breech of the rifle was a compass — that greatly enhanced its value in the eyes of the Indian hunters and sometimes when the Pottawatomies would go on a raid in the Pawnee country for ponies, or on a buffalo hunt, the gun- hooks in the Fix home would be unused for months in succession. But the gun was always returned — and with it a goodly supply of buffalo meat for the owner. That band of Pottawatomies long ago encamped for the last time on the old mill-site but the incident of that stormy night in the winter of 1861 will long be remembered by the Fix family — the time when Grosmutter said — "Wooh!" No history of Wabaunsee county written and published at this time would be complete without mention of the fact that the researches and explorations of the eminent explorer and archaeologist. J, V. Brower, now definitely locates the province of Quivira, which Coronado with his thirty horsemen explored in 1541 between Walnut creelc village site in Barton county and the village sites on Deep creek and at the heads of the West branch of Mill creek in Riley and Wabaunsee counties. Mr. Brower has published two works, "Quivira" and "Harahey" in which the earliest history of part of Wabaunsee coranty has been written, and has placed in the Minnesota Historical Society Museum such conclusive evidence from an archaeologic and historical view that his conclusions are likely to be accepted by the Scientific World. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 49 No Iron Hrorse, Then. But there were meals at all hours, nevertheless. At least, so it seemed, to Mr. S. H. Fairfield in 1860 — the first night he ever slept on the present site of McFarland. He was the guest of Old She-Kah-Za, a hig chief of the Pottawatomies. The old chief made him a comfortable bed of mats and soft-tanned buffalo robes served as covering. But Mr. Fairfield's sleep wasn't as sound as it might have been. Plumed warriors in their war paint and feathers were passing all night and She-Kah-Za, being one of the head council men of the Pottawatomies, had a right to know the outcome of their raid against their old-time enemies — the Pawnees— from which the war parties were just returning. If the number of extra ponies they had brought back and the gen- eral good feeling that prevailed were indications of that success attendant on the expedition then no further evidence was wanting. The old chief would get up and smoke with every party that called and in every case, refreshments, consisting of jerked buffalo meat, dried venison and boiled pumpkin were set before the nocturnal visitors. With much gesticulation the warriors would relate the stirring events that transpired while raiding the Pawnee villages, and the newly kindled fire in the old chief's eyes plainly indicated that old- time reminiscences were recalled and that, in spirit at least, he was fighting over again the battles wherein the tomahawk and scalping knife played a prominent part. Although Old She-Kah-Za lived in a bark wigwam he was well fixed and one of the most influential members of the Pottawatomie nation. But the old warrior was long ago laid to rest, and though miraculous were the many changes time had wrought in his eventful career he never dreamed that in less than half a century the shrill neigh of the iron horse would be heard where the tom-tom had so often called together the warriors of his tribe. The thousands of travelers who daily pass through on the Rock Island could hardly be convinced that less than half a century ago the bark wigwam of an Indian chief was the most conspicuous object, and the most frequented resort, of all the country around about the pres- ent city of McFarland. 50 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Odds and Ejjds. Dr. E. B. Allen, who was afterwards secretary of state once lived at Wabaunsee. He bought school land at $3.00 an acre on long time, and planted the grove on the Jos. LaFontaine place. Like his neighbors he was poor in everything but hope and future prospects. He used a box for a table, tin plates for dishes, and three legged stools served the purpose of chairs. But Miss Mary Garrison, who taught the first term of school in Dist. No. 5, in i860, took pity on his lonely condition and shared with him his log cabin home at Wabaunsee. They afterwards moved to Wichita, where fortune and official honors smiled on one of our old citizens of pioneer days. Old residents of Wabaunsee township have a vivid recollection of one of their number, who, in 1859, took all his belongings and with his estimable wife, journeyed to Pike's Peak in a wagon drawn by oxen. But the wagon was a neighbor's, who went with him to share his fortunes in the placer diggings of California Gulch. A fork of a tree with standards fitted into two-inch augur holes answered the purpose of a wagon. This would glide over the prairie grass as smoothly as a sled over the snow — a fact that could be attested to by many of the old settlers, no better fixed, financially, than the man who afterwards went to the U. S. Senate from Colorado. Mount Tabor was named for the man who selected his claim near the base of that old land mark. His old time friends regret their former neighbor's action in casting aside the wife of former years — whose bounty his straightened cir- cumstances compelled him to accept later on, but the incident is valuable to those who might otherwise envy the lot of one to whom fickle fortune proved a delusion and a snare. The lesson of the old pioneer's life serves a good purpose — teaching those who may be envious of others holding official place, or, seemingly more fortunate financially, that a senatorial toga or the possession of riches, isn't an essential element in insuring one of the most desirable of earthly con- ditions— that of unalloyed happiness. Though tbat grub-stake may EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 51 have brought millions to the owner of that little store in the moun- tains of Colorado the poor miner left with but a pittance to send home to wife and family saw more of true happiness in a day than was enjoyed by Senator Tabor in a life time— an excellent argument to induce the wayward boys to "stick to the farm." In 1858, Mr. Robert Fix followed the example of many of his neighbors by going on a buffalo hunt. He found plenty of buffalo on the Smoky Hill, twenty miles west of Salina. The pioneers may have seen hard times but there are scores of boys living in Wabaunsee county today who would risk being scalped by the Indians for the privilege of going on a buffalo hunt. But in those days there were some drawbacks for those who were absent for several weeks that the larder might be replenished. The married man of the hunting party couldn't call up the young wife by telephone and ask: "How is the baby." And the young men of today with the bare suspicion of a mustache shading the upper lip might have enjoyed the trip, but to be completely cutoff from all communication with the girl he left behind him might have altered the case. Then, there was the danger of his esteemed rival's taking advantage of the situation during his three weeks absence. These are the fellows, who, today, more than others realize the fact that the hard times said to have been experienced by the old settlers were not all a myth. The value of the work of our local photographers as an auxiliary factor in presenting our readers and those who will come after us with true and life like representations of scenes and faces cannot be over- estimated. But the photographer of the present can well afford to divide the honors with the traveling artist of the past. With un- bounded delight do we scan the lineaments of those most dear to us— made possible by the old time photographers advent among us even in advance of other civilizing influences. While crossing the plains in 1862 we distinctly remember that at the crossing of the Little Arkan- sas, on the Old Santa Fe Trail, one of these traveling artists was encamped— going where, it is hard to tell, but maybe he knew. Be- sides being of an adventurous spirit he was accomodating as well. With what patience did he upset the contents of box after box in his search for— well, it doesn't matter. Suffice it to say that when we returned to our camp we were well satisfied with our trip. That was forty years ago next July and we have often wondered where on earth that clever old man was going with his tripod and camera, and what 52 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. lie was doing away out there on the Little Arkansas. But it doesn't seem so far away now. Maybe he was taking sketches of the immense herds of buffalo that were never out of sight in the sixties, or of the bands of Indians, whose presence wasn't always agreeable to the men and boys who always enjoyed life on the plains better when the red- skins were out of sight. It was a case wherein distance lent enchant- ment to the view. Goronado's Expedition Although Wabaunsee county doesn't claim the honor of being directly on the line of march taken by the adventurous Spaniard, but, undoubtedly, hunting parties belonging to the expedition in search of game traversed the fertile valleys of Mill Creek. The route of the expedition lay through the counties of Barber, Kingman, Reno, Harvey, McPlierson, Marion, Dickinson, Davis, Riley, Pottawatomie, Nemaha, and Atchison, to the Missouri river, thence down the Missouri to the mouth of the Kaw, thence westerly on the northern bank to the North fork of the Smoky Hill, up the Smoky Hill to Big Creek, and thence South to the Arkansas. It is just 362 years since Coronado with 300 Spaniards and 800 natives started from a point in the Northern part of Mexico to find the famed seven cities of Cibola. After traveling 700 miles in a north-east direction from the Rio Grande they arrived at the Arkansas. Their supply of provisions running short, the main army, commanded by a subordinate officer re- turned to the Rio Grande, while Coronado with 30 horsemen and 6 foot- soldiers marched further on. When a half million dollars had been expended the Indian guide confessed, at the cost of his life, that the fabulous stories told of the wealth of the great country of Quivira were conceived in order to lure the Spaniards to destruction, that their people might live in the enjoyment of life and happiness in their homes in the Land of the Aztec. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. OUR COUNTY AND SCHOOLS, 1886. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 53 Our SgHooIs. DISTRICT ORGANIZATION. District 1 was formed October 4, 1859; comprised the whole of Wabaunsee township. First board of directors; Joshua Smith, Geo. A. Dibble and Enoch Piatt Formed by J. E. Piatt, county superin- tendent. District 2 was formed October 15, 1859, with the following board of directors: S. A. Baldwin, W. F. Cotton and Joshua Smith— the latter resigning in district 1 on account of change of boundaries. L. A. Parker was appointed to fill the vacancy in district; 1. Formed by J. E. Piatt, county superintendent. District 3 was formed February 17, 1862, with A. C. Tucker, A. W. Gregory and T D. Rose, directors. J. H. Gould, county superinten- dent. First meeting March 4 at Volney Love's. Note. Prior to August 19, 1862, school districts were numbered by townships. On that date the districts were renumbered as follows: District 1 was district 1, Wabaunsee township; district 2 was district 2, Wabaunsee township; district 3 was district 3, Wabaunsee township: district 4 was district 1, Mission Creek township; district 5 was district 2, Mission Creek township: district 6 was district 1, Zeandale township; district 7 was district 2, Zeandale township; district 8 was districts 1 and 2, Alma township; district 9 was district 3, Alma township; dis- trict 10 was in Alma township; district 11 was district 1, Wilming- ton township; district 12 was district 2, Wilmington township; district 13 was district 1, Elm Creek; district 14 was in Alma township; district 15 was in Mission Creek (Dover) township. District 4 was organized by J. E. Piatt, county superintendent. S. E. Beach was elected clerk and D. M. Johnston treasurer. (No director named in record.) District 5, organized March, 1860, with S. E. Beach, W. K. Beach and H. J. Loomis. as directors; J. H. Gould, county superintendent. District 6 was district 15 (the original No. 6 being in Zeandale township). The number was changed to 6 in 1871. S. F. Ross, Anson 54 EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Eddy and Orson Frizzle first district board. J. H. Gould was county superintendent. District 7 was organized March 7, 1874. (The original No. 7 was del ached with Zeandale township.) The first meeting was held at the house of John Shaw, March 26. W. S. McCormick was county super- intendent. District 8 was formed by uniting Nos. 1 and 2. Alma township. Number changed August 19, 1862. No. 1 was formed November 9, 1860; C Zwanziger, clerk, and Franz Schmidt, treasurer; J. II. Gould, county superintendent. District 2 was formed November 14, 1860, with John Spieker, director, Anton Schewe, clerk, _and Wm Drebing, treasurer; J. H Gould, county superintendent. District 9 (No. 3, Alma township) was formed April 23, 1862, J. II, Gould, county superintendent. Edward Hoffman was director, Henry Volland, treasurer, and E. L. Lewis, clerk. District 10 was formed in 1862 by J. H. Gould, county superinten- dent. First officers: Rudolph Arndt, director, Chas. Lehmberg, clerk; Karl Kopke, treasurer. District 11 was formed June 11, 1861. (This was district I, of Wilmington township.) H. S. Faunce, director, H. D. Shepard, clerk, and Samuel Cripps, treasurer; J. H. Gould, county superintendent. District 12 was formed by J. H. Gould, county superintendent, September 4, 1861. John Garringer was director, Isaiah Harris, clerk and James E. Johnson, treasurer. District 13 (No. 1, Elm Creek), organized by J. H. Gould, county superintendent, February 3, 1862; Wm. Eldred, director, P. A. Green, clerk, and Uriah Sanner, treasurer. District 14, organized November 8, 1862, by J. H. Gould, county superintendent; Joseph True, director, John Hess, treasurer, and John Copp, clerk; first meeting November 8, 1862. District 15— March 10, 1872; W. F. Cotton, county superintendent; first meeting March 28. District 15 (joint), organized by J. H. Gould, county superinten- dent, April 23, 1863; John Sage, director, Henry Read, treasurer, and Jacob Haskell, clerk. District 16, formed January 19, 1865, of parts of districts 3, 8, 9, by Isaiah Harris, county superintendent; John Mahan, director, Franz Schmidt, treasurer, G, Zwanziger, clerk. The children of school age numbered 14, as follows: G. Zwanziger, 3, John Mahan, 2, Franz Schmidt, 1, Phillip Litz, 4, Fred Palenske, 4. In the distribution of school property the new districts were assessed in amounts as follows: From district 9, $1.12*: from district 3, $5.80; from district 8, $70.87. District 17, formed March 30, 1874. First meeting was held at the EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE CO UNTY, KAN . 55 home of Francis Meier, April 11; W. S. McCormick, county superin- tendent. Note. A district numbered 17 was formed by Isaiah Harris, county superintendent, August 23, 1866, of territory in the northern part of Mission Creek township (now Maple Hill). First directors were Reuben Haas, James L. Wightman and R. H. Waterman. District 18, formed in 1867 by Isaiah Harris, county superinten- dent; Geo. Scbade, Wm. Home and Samuel Thackery, first board of directors. District 19, formed April 16, 1874; first meeting at house of J. L. Muehlenbacher, May 7; W. S. McCormick, county superintendent. District 20; date of petition December 23, 1867; first officers, Wm. McCormick, C. D. Carpenter and W. H. Earle; Isaiah Harris, county superintendent; first meeting March 31, 1863. District 21, date of petition, December 27, 1867; first officers, Thos. Barker, John Nevins, E. K. Drake; Isaiah Harris, county superinten- dent. District 22, formed January, 1868, by Isaiah Harris, county super- intendent; first officers, J. M. Bisbey, H. A. Stiles, L. C. Keyes. District 23, formed May 3, 1867; first officers, J. C. Goldsberry, Wm. Exon and Geo. Vannatta; Isaiah Harris, county superintendent. (District 24 in Zeandale township, by Isaiah Harris, county super- intendent.) District 24, organized in 1869; Isaiah Harris, county superinten- dent. District 25 was formed April 18, 1874; first meeting held at house of M. K. Anderson; W. S. McCormick, county superintendent. District 27, organized February 17, 1860; W. D. Ely, Joseph Hughes and Enoch Colton, first officers; T. M. Allen, county superintendent. District 28, formed in 1870; Robert McMaster, Chas Owen and John Barnell, first officers; T. M. Allen, county superintendent. District 29, organized 1870 by T. M. Allen, county superintendent; first officers, Wm. Ely, C. D. Carpenter and Samuel Gunsalus. District 30, organized 1870; T. M. Allen, county superintendent; J. H. Stubbs, Elizabeth Stubbs and Epbraim Elliott, first board. District 31, formed June 20, 1870; first meeting at C. C. Stalker's, July 7, 1870: T. M. Allen, county superintendent. District 32, 1870, T. M. Allen, county superintendent; James Bur- goyne, Sam Sutton and Thos. C. Finney first district board District 33, organized January 27, 1871, by R. M. Tunnell, county superintendent; M. Mc Williams, J. R. Gross and Geo. F Duroy, first district board. District 34, organized March 7,1871, by R. M. Tunnell, county superintendent; first board, J. C P. Malone, Thos. Paxton and Geo. \ 56 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Raine. District 35, organized April 7, 1871; first meeting April 22; by R. M. Tunnell, county superintendent; C. S. Nicely, O Keunzli and H. Hanson, first board. District 56, organized April 7, 1371: first meeting April 22; Eli Samson, C. M. Trueblood and Eli Trueblood, first board: R. M. Tun- nell, county superintendent. District 37, organized 1871; R. M. Tunnell, county superintendent. District 38, organized July 10, 1871; first meeting July 28; R. M. Tunnell county superintendent. District 39, established January 1, 1872; W. F. Cotton, county superintendent; first meeting January 16. District 40, organized April 23, 1872; W. F. Cotton, county superin- tendent. District 41, June, 1872; W. F. Cotton, county superintendent; first meeting July 8. District 42, July 27, 1872; W. F. Cotton, county superintendent. District 30, 1872; W. F. Cotton, county superintendent. District 43, organized March 13, 1873; first meeting at house of S. S. Walkley: W. S. McCormick, county superintendent. District 44, formed March 18, 1873, by W. S. McCormick. county superintendent; first meeting at Chas. North's, April 19. District 45, formed March 17, 1873, by W. S. McCormick, county superintendent; first meeting at Herman Mueller's, April 19. District 36, formed March 31, 1873, by W. S. McCormick, county superintendent; first meeting at J. H. Durham's April 30. District 47, formed by W. S. McCormick, county superintendent, Jnne 23, 1873; first meeting at J. M. Brown's July, 1873. Districts 48, 49, 50, formed June 23, 1874; officers of 48, P. Reding, A. J. Van Syckle and Henry Ronneau; first meeting held August 13; W. S. McCormick, county superintendent. District 51 was formed in 1874 by W. S. McCormick, county super- intendent; first officers, J. D. Tabor, J. P. Gleich and A. Thowe, sr. District 52 was formed at an adjourned meeting of the voters on July 15, 1876, by the election of T. Ronsse, director, T. D. Allison, clerk, and Michael Sweeney, treasurer; "W. E. Richey, county super- intendent. District 53 was formed February 19, 1878, by W. E. Richey, county superintendent. District 54 was formed July 13, 1878, by W. E. Richey, county superintendent; first meeting at house of C. J. Malone August 8. District 55, first meeting July 13, 1878, by W. E. Richey, county superintendent. District 56 was formed in 1878 by W. E. Richey, county superin- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 57 tendent Districts 57 to 82, inclusive, and joint district 85 were formed by Matt Thomson, county superintendent, as follows: 57, first meeting held April 22, 1879: 58, first meeting held July 19, 1879; 59, first meeting held September 6, 1876; 60, first meeting held April 2, 1881; 61, first meeting held April 16, 1881; 62, first meeting held June 10, 1881; 63, first meeting, August 11, 1881; 64, first meeting, October 18, 1882; 65, first meeting, March 10, 1883; 66, first meeting, June 16, 1883; 67, first meeting, July 26, 1884; 68, first meeting, September 29, 1884; 69, first meeting. September 29, 1834; 70, first meeting, September 10, 1884; 71, first meeting, July 6, 1885: 72, first meeting, July 13, 1885; 73, first meet- ing July 18, 1885; 74, first meeting, July 18, 1885; 75, first meeting, July 18, 1885:76, first meeting, August 18, 1885; 77, July 10, 1886; 78, first meeting, July 17, 18S6; 79, first meeting, August 12, 1886; 80, first meet- ing, August 12, 1886; 81, formed September 10, 1887; 82, first meeting, April 7, 1888; joint 85, first meeting, June 12, 1888: joint 100, first meet- ing, August 24, 1889, W. W. Ramey, county superintendent; 83, first meeting, July 26, 1890, W. W. Ramey, county superintendent; 84, first meeting, July 24, 1890, W. W. Ramey, county superintendent; 85, first meeting, July 18, 1893, G. L. Clothier, county superintendent: 86, first meeting, July 27, 1893, G. L. Clothier, county superintendent; 87, first meeting, October 5, 1893, G. L. Clothier, county superintendent; 88, first meeting, September 12, 1895, C. C. Carter, county superintendent. SCHOOL NOTES. The first school in Wabaunsee county was taught by Miss M. H. Cotton ( Mrs. J. T. Genn) in the town of Wabaunsee in the house occu- pied by Mr. A. J. Bownam as a residence. The house was built for a church. The size of the original structure was 14x20. Miss Cotton boarded with a family living in a sod house with a canvass roof. The size of this house was 12x14. The first school house in district 3 was of logs and was built in 1862, size of building 12x16. It was located three-fourths of a mile northwest of Mr. C. D. Bean's residence. This was replaced by the stone building (afterwards abandoned on account of the cracked walls) in 1875. Miss Milda Gillespie taught the first school in the district. Miss Jennette Rose taught in 1863 for $8 per month, A. W. Gregory, district clerk. The first school in district 4 was taught in 1860 by Miss Anna Keyes; wages $4.50 per week. The building was 14x18 feet and after- wards moved to the farm of Mr. A. F. Wade and used as a corn crib. The first school in district 5 was taught in I860 by Miss Mary Gar- 58 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. rison in a log bouse 14x16, located on the farm since owned by Mr. George Barnes. Four dollars a week was tbe wages paid. Miss Garri- son was afterwards married to Dr. Allen, secretary of state. Tbe first school in district 6 was taught by S. H, Wellingharn in 1867, in a log bouse 12x14, located just across the road from the stone building since used for school purposes; wages $20 per month. The first school in district 8 was taught by G. B. Woostrow, who received for his services $15 per month. The school house was of logs and for the time, one of the best school houses in the county. The building was valued at $200 and was located about 200 yards southwest of the present site, on the farm of Mr. Peter Tboes. The first school house in district 9 was built of shakes or clap- boards and located on#the farm of William Kreig, now owned by Henry Reuter. The first school was taught in 1862 by Miss Emma Bisbey; wages $8 per month; size of building 14x16 Mr. Carl Berner taught the first term of school in district 10 (Tem- pliii) in 1865, receiving $15 per month. The house was of logs and although the district was formed in 1864, the school house was not built till tbe year following, for the reason assigned by the clerk in his report to tbe county superintendent: "Owing to the Indian ex- citement " The Kaw reservation was but a few miles away, and so apprehensive were the settlers of a threatened uprising that a stone fort was built within two hundred yards of the present site of the school house in anticipation of a raid from the Kaws The first school in district 11 (Wilmington) was taught by Miss Mary Herron in 1860; wages $8 per month. School was held in a con- crete stone building of one room 10x14 erected by Mr. Spear for a shoe shop. Miss Anna Harvey taught the first term of school in district 13 in 1860, in a log house 14x18; wages $6 per month. Miss Harvey boarded around. The school house was located on the farm of Mr. George Sanner, who occupied the building as a residence after the completion of the stone building near tbe residence of Mr. Joseph McCoy. Mr. W. A. Doolittle taught several terms in the old log school house. Mr. G. B. Woostrow taught the first school in district 14 (Halifax) in 1863; wages $20 per month. The bouse was built, of logs and after- wards weather-boarded; size of building 16x18. The house was located just north of J. B. Crumb's home, but was moved one hundred yards west and used as a residence. The writer taught a six months term of school in this building in the winter of 1877-78. The first school in district 19 was taught in Mr. John Frank's EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 59 house m 1876 by Miss Eola Warner. The building was of logs and the size of building 12x14. There were but two pupils, Ulysses and Gabriel Frank. Miss Arvilla Keyes taught the first school in district 21, in 1868, in a log school house 12x16; wages $20 per month. The first term of school in district 22 was taught by Miss Ella A. Dibble, in 1868. The school house was of logs and located on the farm of Mr. S. C. Gladden. Size of building, 10x12. Miss Ermina Haider man, in 1868, taught the first term of school in district 23 — in a double log house on the farm of Horace Paul. School was taught in the west room, the east room being occupied by the family of Mr. George Vannatta. After the west half was torn away the east room was occupied by Mr. Walker, an old bachelor. The last log school house was built in district 24 in 1869, of logs hauled from the Poitawatomie reserve, after being cut by a squatter for his own use. The building was 18 feet square and used for school purposes until replaced by a stone building in 1884, after which the log house was used as a crib. The building stood on the hill one half mile south of the present site and for a number of years church services were held in the old log school house. Marion Meredith taught the first term of school in district 27, in the 10x14 log cabin belonging to an old bachelor named Enoch Colton. Mr. S. G. Cantrill afterwards bought the log cabin, moved it onto his farm and used it as a corn crib. In a small house sided with flooring, Miss Elmah Montgomery taught the first school in district 29, in 1870. The house was used by Robert Haslett and John Sudweeks when both were bachelors. Miss Montgomery is now Mrs. Micajah Hamilton. In district 40, Mr. Micajah Hamilton taught the first term of school in 1872, in the shed room of the house occupied by Marion Reynolds. Mr. Andrew Mairs bought the property and for many years resided there. The first school house in district 41 was built of logs, on the farm of John McCrumb, who after making some alterations, used it as a residence. The stone house was then built but later sold and the 1 frame building now in use at McFarland erected. Miss Eva Ames taught the first school in district 48, in 1875, in a frame house on the farm of M r. Henry Ronneau. The first school in district 49 was taught in the stone house that afterwards served Mr. Peter Taylor as a residence. 60 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. By consulting the records further relative to the question of wages we And that the amounts paid, though small, was perhaps due more to a scarcity of funds than from a stinginess on the part of district boards. In i860 the cierk of district 13 in his annual report says: "At our an- nual meeting last year we voted all the tax the law would allow When all is collected it will amount to about $33." In that year the district paid their teacher, Miss Harvey, $6 per month for a three months term and two years later employed Miss Rachel Dunmire— now Mrs. Joseph Richards, of Burlingame, the same wages as were paid Miss Harvey. In 1861 Miss Louisa Todd received $8 per month in district 11. In 1864 Mrs. Harriet E. Woods received but $2 per week for a five months term in district 13. In 1862 Miss Susan Andres— Mrs T. O. Hill- taught a term of school in district 12 for $10 per month. It is fair to presume that in cases where low wages were received the teacher boarded around. But the custom was not universal. In 1861 Mr. W. F. Cotton received the comparatively high rate of $20 per month as teacher in district 2. In 1864 Mr. George Daily received $22 per month in district 5. Mr. Daily would doubtless look upon the amount paid as hardly adequate to support his family, to say nothing of laying aside a nest egg for a rainy day. In 1864 Mr. J. H. Gould re- ceived $20 per month in district 1 and two years later Mr. J. E. Piatt received $25 per month in the same district. The school houses at an early period of our county's history put forth no claims to architectural beauty without nor was there any at- tempt at inordinate display within. The rude bench or table besides serving the purpose of the more luxurious appendages of today had this to commend them— they were the best the people in their straightened circumstances could afford. A people to whom poverty was no stranger were concerned about what could be obtained rather than what they might desire. In the old log school house of the past, pupils with intellects as bright, from homes just as hospitable, eagerly listened to the instruc- tion imparted by teachers who labored as hard as any to be found in the educational field today. The auxiliaries that tended to advance the cause of education in the past were just as helpful as are their prototypes today. The spelling school was equally beneficial (and more frequently called to- gether) the singing j ust as pleasant and the Sunday meeting none the less edifying than are similar gatherings of the present— at least for those who might be tempted to smile at the picture suggested by the log school house of the past, for 'twas but yesterday that we— our brothers, our sisters and ourselves— sat on the rude benches and listened to the voice of song from men and women just as prayerful EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. . f -« -<*KiP *» B^o^J^ft;; B-^^B^«r«*fcw H|9^H MRS. DAISY THOMSON PALENSKE, Alma. MISS AMANDA FIX, Yampa, Colo. MR. JAMES L. THOMSON (dec'cl), Plumb Township. MR. EMERSON SHOECRAFT, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JOHN WINKLER, McFarland. MR. JOHN WINKLER, McFarland, as an officer in the Prussian army. MR. WM. HORNE, Se., Spring Creek. MR. JACOB HORNE, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ED.IWORSLEY^Maple Hill. Former County Commissioner. MR. D. U. MILLISON (Register of Deeds), and family. Alma. PROF. C. M. LOWRY, Principal of the Eskridge Schools. MR. W. C. COOK, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. AUGUST HANSON, McFarland. MR. G. H. MEIER, Alma. MR. WM. TREU (Dec'd), Former Sheriff. MR. W. D. DEANS (Dec'd) Former County Surveyor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY.KAN. MR. J. M. HUBBARD. Wabaunsee. Lieut., 11th Kansas Volunteers. MR. A. A. COTTRELL, Wabaunsee. MR. L. RICHARDS, Rock Creek. Former Probate Judge. MR. J. W. MOSSMAN fdec'd), Mission Creek. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. DR. W. H. H. SMITH, Alma. DR. C. E. SMITH, Alma. MR. L. PALENSKE, Alma. Former Representative. MR. J. M. ECK (dec'd), Alma. Former County Commissioner. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. C. B. LINES (dec'd), Wabaunsee. Former Representative. MR. G. G. HALL (dec'd), Wabaunsee. Former Probate Judge. MR. W. S. WILLIAMS (dec'd), Wabaunsee. MR. E. J. LINES (dec'd), Wabaunsee, Former County Attorney. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. PETER REYNARD (Ht-c\l), Eslu-idj?**. MR. SAM URL. WOODS (D M). U trveyytlle.. DRUtt.M BROS., Eskridge. MR. THOS. OLIVER, Maple Hill. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MRS. MARY LOUISA KLOCKMAN, Alma. MRS. ANNA ANDERSON (dec'd), AltaVista. MR. HERMAN ARNDT, TempHn. MR. AUGUST WOLGAST, Templin. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. CHAS. N. EARL (dec'd), Eskridge. Former County Commissioner. MR. ANDREW BELL, Kaw Township. ] County Commissioner. MR. FRANK RICKERSHAUSER, near Paxico. MR. JOSEPH SCHUTTER, Farmer Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 61 just as earnest, just as devout, as is the devotee of to-day. In the early days pupils received instruction from teachers deserv- ing of equal praise to that accorded the occupant of the highest chair in our State University. They were the pioneers of education — engaged in the work of spanning the gulf that separated barbarism from civilization. Interested in the New E^dUGation. In the early days interest in school work was not lacking; teachers of experience were, in all cases, given the preference. The teacher, though a stranger, was received with that spirit of welcome so charac- teristic of the people. A case in point was that of a teacher from an eastern state. His recommendations secured him a hearty welcome in a district, the people of which, were anxious to enjoy the advantages of which his coming gave promise. Arrangements being made that were mutually satisfactory our new teacher entered upon his duties." After a time a member of the board who took a deep interest in the cause of education, concluded to visit the school — on a rainy day, when his services on the farm were not particularly needed. Having heard much of the progress in matters pertaining to education, and being desirous of knowing something more of a system of teaching far beyond that within the range of his own experience he was doubly anxious to see for himself the wonders of the new education. On opening the door what does he see? There is but one pupil present (by reason of the inclemency of the weather) but he is making good his claim to apt scholarship, for the teacher, stretched at full length on one of the rude benches is fast asleep, and his pupil, beneath the bench, equ illy oblivious of surrounding objects, is trying to rival his teacher in his endeavors to raise the roof— by his snoring. This true story is of no particular value in the line of corroborative testimony relative to the correct estimate to be placed upon the average teacher's recommendations. 02 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wrote His Sentiments. The teacher was handsome and her visitor had been honored by the voters of the county and he was doing the people good service as their county attorney. But realizing the truth of the old adage that all work and no play tends to make of Jack a dull boy. our county official with the flowing beard concluded to go on a vacation. . To go to the mountains of Colorado was out of the question for it was at a time when competitive rates were unknown for the very good reason that the large majority of the railroad lines had an existence only on the maps. But among the pretty school maams at. the examination was Miss , from Iowa, his own native state. She was teaching near Dover and he would go down and incidentally assist in disposing of a few of MrsLoomis's pies. Being a school teacher by profession it was but natural that he should visit the school, and as such visitor he was expected to write his name in the teacher's register— in that part of the book every teacher can refer to with pride— for as a rule in the column of "Re- marks" nothing but nattering testimonials ever finds a place. Looking over the visitor's register our ex-pedagogue learns that Mary Jones has left in the record: "Good school: good teacher." John Smith has supplemented the statement with "Good teacher: excellent order." When the county superintendent called— a few days before the election, he expressed his admiration of the teacher's work by: "'An earnest and efficient teacher and an interesting and progressive school." Having no blotter at hand it is possible that our visiting superintendent returned the book to the teacher unclosed— for fear of blotting the page, of course. More than likely he expected an invitation home to supper and there is a bare possibility that he wasn't disappointed. But this matter cuts no figure with our ex-pedagogue out for recreation. He finds that Mrs. Williams had indicated her approval of the teacher's methods by: "Am well pleased with the school." Peter Wilson, a farmer's boy bluntly says: "Teacher all right; school, ditto." When the director called he left in bold characters: "Disci- pline perfect, am glad to see the pupils interested in the great cause of EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 63 education; in future years they will realize that knowledge is the power that moves the world." But our visitor who was elected by the suffrages of the people to an important office is no copyist. He looks about him and views with complacency the evidences of good government and excellent intellec- tual development. The prompt answers elicit his unqualified approval and warmest approbation. But he sees more than all this. He ob- serves i he sparkling eye that is responsible for any talismanic effects that may be indicated by the prompt responses to the questions propounded by the teacher. It may not be out of place here to state that our visitor was the owner in fee simple of an Iowa farm, and the occupation of a farmer embodying (to his mind) all the phases of an ideal existence all that was needed to render his future a life of unalloyed happiness was a home on the farm and a handsome ex-school- marm to preside at the opposite end of the table. With this explana- tion these written words in the register need no further interpreta- tion: "I like the teacher very much." Among the old letters on file in the County Superintendent's office is one indicating the difference in the methods of examining teachers then and now. The letter is from a patron of a country district inquiring as to the date of the superintendent's contemplated visit, accompanied by this statement: "Miss is teaching our school and wants to be examined for a certificate when you come into our neighborhood." The method has this to recommend it— it is more convenient to the teacher and the expense of an examining board is dispensed with. The teacher's work in the schoolroom should tend to the forma- tion and development of correct habits— the foundation of a good character. The work of each day of a pupil's school life should add to his ability to fight the battle of life successfully: should tend to make of each and every pupil a useful member of society. The teacher who neglects to avail himself of the opportunity afforded on the last day of school 10 create a lasting impression on his pupils throws away one of the best of his opportunities. Though an air of solemnity pervade the exercises no fears need be entertained as to their harmful effects. However painful the parting words, it will hold, none the less, a valued place in memory's storehouse. It will the better serve as a medium to impress illegibly upon plastic minds such lessons as only on such occasions as this may be readily inculcated. No pupil, however listless during the long weeks of the term about to 64 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. close, but feels the impressiveness of the occasion. However regard- less of the teacher's timely admonitions he may have been, he more than ever before realizes the value of time lost; more than ever is enabled to place a proper estimate on advice unheeded— on opportuni- ties that may never again be presented. As the last whispers of a dear departing friend are ineffacibly engraved on memory's tablet, so may the teacher's parting words to his pupils on the last day of school serve as a beacon to many a darkened pathway— exert a potent influence in shaping the course of a hitherto aimless life. Be careful 'lest the opportunity be thrown away: take heed lest a blighted existence be laid at your feet. At the close of the State Teachers' Association, held during the past winter, the President, while addressing the. teachers, bluntly asked the question, "What is all this about?'' "What are we here for?" We might well make a personal application of the answer suggested. Unless we shall go fori h from our labors here the better prepared to assist the pupils of the schools in the work of preparation for future usefulness, then our coming together as teachers has been in vain. We feel assured that each and every teacher will go hence capable of doing better work; that they will be prompted by nobler impulses We feel warranted in the statement that your aims will be higher, and that greater results will be accomplished. We trust that your labors here and in the school room will be appreciated in a man- ner commensurate with your most extravagant anticipations. May your labors be lightened by that hearty spirit of co-operation so neces- sary as an auxiliary in bringing about a correct solution of she educa- tional problem. We trust that you will bring to your assistance every possible aid. The essential elements of success are embodied in a thorough knowledge of your surroundings, a conscientious regard for the welfare of your pupils, and a strict application to duty. Let some potent influence enable us to realize the magnitude of our undertaking— thai the fooi steps of the little ones placed in our keeping may be guided aright. To them the future is a dark unfath- omable mystery. The great world beyond the portals of the school- room is a labyrinth of mysterious windings which will lead to success or failure. We can provide the chart leading to the one, or we can, by our care 'essn ess, permit the placing of such obstacles in the way as will insure the destruction of all their hopes. The chart once supplied let its markings be clear and unmistakable, Here, in a cool, shady nook, Idleness is ever lounging, ai.d at this point we will place our first danger signal. Just beyond, Pleasure, awaits the coming of the youthful travelers. We will detail, as a guard, our faithful auxiliary. Duty, lest Pleasure tire < f her wards and give them in charge of her twin sister, Vice. With Industry as a constant companion, and Honor, as a guide, where dangers threaten, we need have no fears but that our charges will reach the haven of their hopes, and we receive our reward in the heartfelt thanks of our patrons, the lasting grati- tude of our pupils, and the consciousness within ourselves of having performed our duty.— From Matt. Thomson's address at close of insti- tute of 1RS7. EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 65 flrr) E/IliGational Exhibit. No better evidence of the interest taken by our people in the cause of education could be presented than is here shown by the bonds issued by the several school districts for building purposes. These contributions have been voluntarily assumed that our children may enjoy every possible benefit to be derived from an educa- tional system unsurpassed anywhere. The comparatively small amount of bonded indebtedness remaining unpaid is a feature that commends itself to those seeking a home among our people. DIST. WHEN ISSUED. AMT. Jan. 5, '97 $ 450 June 2, '73 1,100 August 15, '73 1,200 April 16, '87 1,200 Oct. 26, '96. . . .$300 due 900 Nov. 14, '82.... 530 July 30, '84 800 Sept. 26, '74 1,000 DISr. WHEN ISSUED. 1. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. AMT. May 31, '79 .$1,000 May 2, '87 1,000 2. Oct. 11, '78 500 3. JulyS, '72 760 Aug. 16, '93 1,200 $400 due 1-1, 1902 4. No bonds issued. 5. Jan. 25, '82 1,200 6. March 20, '71 1,350 7. Sept. 26, '84 600 Dec. 5, '92 200 53. 8. No bonds issued. 9. June 14, '75 300 54. 10. IS o bonds issued. 55. 11. July 1, '70 900 12. Oct. 24, '77 700 56. Nov. 16, 1901 2,000 $2,000 due. 13. Sept. 23, '73 1,400 57. 14. May 27, '81 1,500 58. 15. Oct. 1, '74 600 59. 16. April I, '69 1,000 60. June 1, '74 5,000 61. Feb. 22, '75 1,000 62. 17. August 26, '74 500 63. May 3, '92 500 Oct. 21, '76 1,000 May 21, '81 1,000 Junel, '78 500 Oct. 5, '86 700 Sept. 3, '85 500 Sept. 1, '78 600 May 13, '90 650 Oct. 19, '78 500 Nov. 11, '89 2,000 Dec. 28, '94. Dec. 15, '79. Aug. 19, '82. Nov. 15, '79. Oct. 1, '81... Aug. 20, '81. Sept. 19, '81 Sept. 19, '81. 400 600 600 500 800 350 300 1,000 Sept. 24, '84 ;. 2,500 66; EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 18. August 26, '78 500 Dec. 1, '85 1,890 June 13, '92 800 64. April 28, '83 1,000 19. No bonds issued. 65. July 24, '83 600 20. Sept. 18, '74 900 66. Sept. 1, '83 600 21. Sept. 18, '83 -. 800 Nov. 11, 1901, $1200 due 1,200 22. March 10, '83 1,100 67. Nov. 15, '84 400 23. August 1, '70 900 68. Feb. 6, '85 900 24. April 1, '71 300 69. Oct. 17, '84 600 June 9, '83 800 70. Nov. 22, '84 600 25. August 11, '87 -. 700 71. Oct. 2, '85 ...1,000 26. No bonds issued. 72. Sept. 12, '85 650 27. May 31, '71 paid 1,200 73. Aug. 22, '85 600 28. July 1, '70 600 74. Aug. 15, '85 1,000 29. March 1, '72 1,100 75. Sept. 5, '85 600 30. November, '70... 1,600 76. Aug. 29, '85 8i)0 31. No bonds issued. 77. Sept. 2, '86 500 32. August7,'71 400 78. Oct. 16, '86 700 July 9, '90 900 79. Oct. 9, '86 ■ 600 300 d ue 1-1-1902 80. Sept. 16, '86 400 33. No bonds issued. Due Jan. 1, 1902, $100. . 34.' May 3, '73 600 81. Jan. 5, '89 2,400 35. Feb. 5, '92 800 Due Jan. 1, 1902, $900. . $200 due 1-1-1902 82. July 14, '88 1,500 35. July 22, '71 400 83. Oct. 1, '90 500 Dec. 1, '93 $350 due 800 84. Aug. 19. '90 800 37. Feb. 10, '72 1,200 85. Sept. 5, '93 700 38. Oct. 25, '71 750 $500 due 1-1-1902 39.: June 1, '72 1,500 86. Sept. 15, '93... 350 July 24, '90.. 2,500 87. Nov. 14, '93 500 40. June 2, '73.... 1,000 88. Oct. 2, '95 800 41. Nov. 10, '91 i 3,000 $500 due 1-1-1902 42. June 2, '73 1.200 89 Oct. 21, 1901 .. .$500 due 500 43. Junel, '73 ..... 1,000 Jt. 15. Oct. 4, '69 900 Sept. 24, '98 1,200 Jt. 15. Oct, 12, '77 450 44. Feb. 11, '74 1,000 Jt 100. July 2, '91 800 Sept. 21, '95 900 $400 due 1-1-1902.. . 45. Sept. 20, '73 500 Jt. 85. No date ..1,900 Jt. 30. June 10, '95 900 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 67 The /MG/Wahan Telephone E^XGhange. When on June 25, 1898, Mr. McMahan secured from the City of Alma a telephone franchise for twenty-five years, hut few persons realized the magnitude the undertaking would assume in so short a period of time. At first the growth of the venture was compara- tively slow hut ere long the convenience connected with the new order of things became apparent to the people and the daily increas- ing patronage encouraged Mr. McMahan in extending his lines, at first, to all points in Wabaunsee county, and, later, to Topeka and other outside points, until direct telephone communication is not confined to the limits of this and adjoining counties, nor even of the State. A few data as to the growth of the McMahan telephone system: Telephone franchise granted, June 21, 1898. On August 27, fol- lowing there were 12 phones in Alma and 12 more ordered. On November 12, there were 36 phones. Completed to Manhattan Decem- ber 1, 1898— the M. A. & B. telegraph line being secured for the service. April 28, 1899, telephone completed to McFarland. On May 1, to Eskridge, and on September 16, to Maple Hill. January 27, 1900, Alta Vista was reached, and on June 16, 1900, there was telephone connection between Alma and Wamego. Topeka was reached Decem- ber 15, 1900— since which time the growth of the McMahan telephone system has been phenomenally surprising to all. and extremely flatter- ing to the business sagacity of the founder of the system. In the illustration, seated in the front row, is Mr. J. H. McMahan, projector of the enterprise and proprietor of the system. On the left is Mr. William Noller, bookkeeper, and on the right is Mr. Julius Frey, who may be found almost constantly in attendance at the keyboard. At the extreme ends of the employes standing are Masters Roy and Arthur McMahan, who, though young in years are capable of filling the place of substitute at the board. Then in succession are Mr. Albert Copp, Mr. George Sweitzer, Mr. Wm, Hershey, and Mr. Louis Sweitzer, the latter now in charge at Eskridge. By reason of a misunderstanding as to the time of sitting for the group picture, the portraits of Messrs. Louis and Gus Schroeder, two of the oldest employes of the telephone exchange, appear elsewhere. The follow- ing are the names of the local managers not already mentioned: McFarland, Mr. Arthur Winkler: Paxico, Dr. O. E. Webb (who is, 68 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. also, the owner of an independent line); Maple Hill, J. N. Dolley; Rossville, G. P. Pierce; St. Mary's, Miss Annie Damaris; Willard, Mr. R. N. Blackburn; Valencia, Mr. Ed. Mitchell; Wanamaker, Mr. Straub; Dwight, Mr. H. Olson; Alta Vista, Mr. Union Thomas; Vol- land; Mr. .J. W. Kratzer: Harveyville, Mr. R. D. Lewis; Eskridge, Mrs. Louis Sweitzer, assistant; Halifax, Mr. Longabaugh; Templin, Mr. Gustav Zimmermann— the services of thirty men being required. In Wabaunsee county there are over 200 miles of wire and 225 phones in use. Of this number, 110 are in Alma, 70 in Eskridge, and 41 in the the rural districts. The number of phones is constantly increasing and the efficiency of the system is perfect. E.thnologiG History. Wabaunsee County has an ancient history of surpassing interest, partly printed in the old Spanish chronicles and partly determined by archasological science — the two combined making a record recently completed which covers a period of 500 years. In 1897, Mr. J. V. Brower discovered near Alma, in Mill creek valley, an ancient village site from which he gathered chert spearheads, arrow points, knives, scrapers and pieces of clay pots. Judge J. T. Keagy, and others, associated with Mr. Brower in the work, have continued ex- plorations and investigations until the identity of the people who in- habited this county during a pre-Columbian age has been ascertained as the same people who were discovered by Coronado in 1541, at two provinces called Quivira and Harahey, part of which was constituted by the prairies and valleys of Wabaunsee county, the dividing line crossing Deep creek and Mill creek near Volland. Two volumes have been issued and published concerning the work, eutitled respectively, Quivira, 1898, and Harahey, 1899. These two books describe in particular all of the discoveries and many historic and prehistoric facts. In 1901, the Quivira Historical Society was organized at Alma for the purpose of continuing the work, and another volume is to be issued after a monument is erected for the purpose of commemorat- ing the discovery and rediscovery of Quivira and Harahey, by Coronado in 1541, and Brower in 1896-7-8. Like many other similar explora- tions, an attempt has been made to divert the actual rediscovery, made in 1896, to the credit of a plagiarist several years later. But this will not be successful as the Quivira Historical Society has been organized to not only preserve all records, but to prevent literary piracy. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. GUS SCHROEDER, Alma. MR. LOUIS SCHROEDER, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. LOUIS SHROEDER, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. The First White Shirt. Readers of historical incidents, as a rule, delight in reminiscences entitled to first place in any particular line. They would know the first settler in this or that locality; the name of the first woman who cooked the first meal in the "Hard Scrabble" settlement, and so on to the end of the chapter. In view of these facts wherein is the harm of a true story involving the right of the first white shirt to a place at the head of the column? In the early settlement of Kansas hundreds of families looked upon milk and butter as luxuries beyond their reach. Many families were not sufficiently well-to-do as to own a cow. Of course there were exceptions, and, as time advanced, other evidences of civilization began to appear. Perhaps a little incident might better illustrate our meaning. Over in Wabaunsee a genial old gentleman had just arrived from Connecticut. His neighbors were somewhat inclined to look upon him with envious eyes from the fact that he was the possessor of a cow. This particular cow was the mother of a white calf, and, be- sides, she possessed qualities that rendered her valuable to an extra- ordinary degree. Besides furnishing a daily supply of the lacteal fluid her disposition enabled her owner to utilize her as a beast of burden. The ease with which our friend was enabled to transfer the products of the farm from the field to winter quarters might well excite the envy of his less fortunate neighbors. But all did not go "merry as a marriage bell." One night a storm came on and misfortune visited that little household. When morning dawned it was found that the white calf was missing. Diligent search and anxious inquiry failed to reward the discon- solate owner with the sight of the lost calf. But there came a moment when joy beamed forth from the countenances of the owners of the white calf. A white object was seen some distance away on the banks of the creek, which the good wife recognized at once as "our calf." She "would know that calf anywhere," and as it was the only white object known in all the county at the time she was excus- able in entertaining the idea that the lost had been found. Procur- ing a rope our overjoyed owner proceded at once to capture the truant calf, but one can hardly imagine his discomfiture when about to secure 70 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. his prize he discovered that the white object was not the lost calf, but a man who had just come into the country wearing a white shirt— the first garment of that description that had found its way into Wabaun- see county. The First Wagon Shop. When Mr. Wm. Florae came to Wabaunsee county in 1859, he had two wagons with skeins— the only two of the kind in the Spring creek settlement. But Henry Palenske was a wagonmaker and before long he was supplying the demand for wagons. It didn't take long to make one, either. With a cross-cut saw, a sycamore log about 20 or 24 inches in diameter would soon be trans- formed into wheels— about every six inches, running measure, was enough for one wheel, two feet being all that was required for a wagon. To make the running gear was easy. Two big hewed slabs for axles, in :which two-inch augur holes were bored for standards, a coupling pole and tongue, and that wagon was ready for the owner— who in all cases, was patiently waiting for the first wagon he ever owned— of that particular pattern. Grease being a commodity that hadn't found its way into the country, there was music in the air whenever a wagon happened to be on the road— and music too, of the semi-calliope variety— that could be heard two miles or more— when the wind happened to be right, more. Those wagons would last for two or three years, but the supply wasn't equal to the demand, and Mr. Home never lacked for oppor- tunities to loan one or both of his wagons to his neighbors— and every settler in the country at that time considered himself a near enough neighbor to borrow a wagon with spokes in the wheels to make a hundred- mile trip for a sack of corn meal or a side of bacon. There was a kind of caste among the people in those days, indi- cated by the make of wagon used on the claim. In Indian nomen- clature, William Horne would merit the title of High-muck-a-muck, or the-man-with-the-sure-enough-wagon. Wagons of the Palenske pattern would indicate that the owners were in moderate circumstances, unless they owned a cow. Still lower in the line of eligibility to a place on the front seats with the aristocracy of the frontier settlements was the man compelled to EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 71 steer a stone-boat (made of the fork of a tree) over the prairies with a pair of oxen for a motor. Then, in order, came a fellow with a blind horse or the family cow for a beast of burden, followed by the man with all his earthly be- longings tied in a handkerchief, on the end of a stick, looking for a claim. He was bringing up the tail end of the procession then, but as he sits cozily by the grate in the big stone house, you might fail to recognize our old pioneer friend with the stick and handkerchief. But he is one and. the same, nevertheless, and not a whit better or worse, by reason 'of his circumstances. Sometimes these old pioneers are just as kind hearted and Chris- tian like as in their days of adversity— when they were swelled up with pride over the ownership of one of Henry Palenske's wagons, but not always. Somehow the canker-worm of prosperty has gnawed a hole in their heartSsand blinded their eyes to all the good in the world except that measured by the almighty dollar. Hre Gathered Them In. In 1880, when the M. A. & B. track was laid to Eskridge there were several young men in the south part of Wabaunsee county and near the north end of Lyon who were inclined to be sporty. They were of that type of young men who start out in life imbued with the idea that the world owes them a living and it required several hard knocks to drive the notion out of their heads. These boys had seen something of the world — just enough, in fact, to create the desire for further experience in the same direction. They had traveled west as far. as the Panhandle country and had made several trips to the Kansas City stock yards, and had even ventured as far as Chicago on a cattle train. Besides the customary pass the boys on these occasions carried with them, as part of their equipment, a large stick with a sharp nail in the end— to give the cattle a punch when they would persist in lying down in the car. For this reason, probably, the boys considered themselves entitled to the honor of being called "cow-punchers" or as they preferred, "cowboys." About the time referred to another young man put in his appear- ance at Eskridge. Having passed the greater part of his life in the shadow of the Cumberland mountains the boys of sporty tendencies dubbed him a tenderfoot and at first were inclined to guy the new- 72 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. comer. But later on they began to treat him with respect and on further acquaintance to even admire the man they had prematurely dubbed "tenderfoot." Somewhere and somehow the young man had acquired proficiency iu the use of the gloves and after he had several times in quick succes- sion sent the bully of the crowd sprawling into the corner he was voted a tip-top fellow. He also carried a handsome revolver of the navy pattern and when he proved himself an expert in its use it was the unanimous verdict that a false estimate had been placed on his value as a friend. When they had about concluded to adopt the young tenderfoot he suddenly left the country. But the boys heard from him again. It wasn't long before they received letters postmarked Cincinnati. Then in quick succession others came from Chicago, New York, Baltimore, and other large cities— in each case on the letterheads of a different firm. Later on, another letter came. This time he wanted to meet the boys and if they would go to Burlingame on a certain date he would be there. The boys went down and if the walls of a little two roomed saloon in the town could be induced to impart the secrets divulged at that meeting an interesting story would be unfolded. While on his rambles in the East he had struck a sure thing and his old time friendship for the boys prompted him to seek them out and share with them his good fortune. Like Barkis, they were "willin." Then he produced some crisp five dollar bills, just from the press. Not the best samples, he said, but he had better "stuff" at head- quarters in Chicago. It was a ticklish business and he couldn't trust the mails. The detectives were always on his track. He sold them five crisp new five dollar bills for one dollar each. After swearing each one to secrecy he told the boys to try their luck with the bills and report. He would remain in concealment and under no circumstances must his presence in the town be revealed. In a short time the boys returned clamoring for more of the "queer." It was "hot stuff." "It was good at the batik." That set- tled it with the boys. But he wouldn't trust them. They must select one of their number to meet him in Chicago. It was so arranged. So the boys went home. Only a few confidential friends were let into the secret— friends they wanted to share with them their good fortune. Never did these young fellows work so hard to raise funds for investment in a "sure thing." One sold a team, another his saddle horse and a third his fine Mexican saddle and a pair of Navajo blankets— and all, away down. After a few days of strenuous effort and much sacrifice the sum of $1,400 was raised. But that would bring them $7,000. Then they could again buy EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 72a their outfit and take their long anticipated trip to Texas, where they would launch out in the cattle business. In due time the committee of one went to Chicago, meeting, as per agreement, their former acquaintance at the depot. But not until a friendly tap on the shoulder turned his attention that way was his presence suspected. He was in disguise. He said that was the only way to throw the government detectives off his track. He was taken in a roundabout way to his room. Up five flights of rickety stairs, and through dark, winding passages they went. Two well dressed men with revolvers lying on the table in front of them were there. They counted out $7,000 in crisp, new bills— just like those at Burlingame. He saw the money safely packed in his sachel and departed. But his old acquaintance would see him off. He was going down the road anyway. When the committee of one arrived at Eskridge he was met at the train by the boys. All were there. They had parted with their last dollar and it had been nearly a week of long and weary waiting. They repaired to a room at the hotel to make a division of the funds. The carpet-sack was opened and inside were seven neatly tied packages — just as they had been packed in Chicago— but in another carpet-sack. His friend had made the exchange at the depot. The boy had bought seven packages of sawdust at $1,400 a pound. It is needless to say that that trip to Texas was indefinitely post- poned. The boys took their summer vacation in the corn field —walking behind a two-horse cultivator — longing for a shot at that tenderfoot, who had been raised in the shadow of the Cumberland mountains. Were Their Fears Groundless? The stranger to pioneer conditions finds it difficult to realize that within the memory of the oldest inhabitant, to say nothing of others not so far advanced in years, there was ever any real danger to the early settlers of Wabaunsee county from Indian raids. Perhaps not. But before rendering our verdict let us ask the sturdy German farmers of Templin, who put forth all their efforts in building the old stone fort in 1864, if there was cause for fear. Ask the Swedish set- tlers of Marion county who, four years later, slept for weeks in their corn fields. Ask them if their fears were groundless and the antici- 72b EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. pated Indian raid but a chimerical conception of a disordered brain. While their bones lie mouldering under the sod we will not taunt them with cowardice, nor desecrate their memories by the accusation that they were other than they seemed— pioneers in the truest sense of the term. Let us give them proper credit. If ever there was an inkling of fear indicated, it was due to the love a parent bears to his child. It was from the fear of compulsory separation— either by death at the hands of the merciless foe, or capture, followed by death, torture, or worse. Ask not the meaning of this — lest you betray your ignorance of a captive's fate. There were those who laughed at the fears of the settlers in the vicinity of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and at New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1862— eight years later than the first settlers came to Kansas — but it re- quired several regiments of cavalry and years of campaigning to render the pioneer homes of Iowa and Minnesota secure from the raids of wandering Indians. In 1868, fourteen years after the first settlers came to Wabaunsee county the old pioneers of Council Grove — men who never knew the meaning of the word "fear" hurried their wives and children to a haven of safety. Was their act an exhibition of cowardice? Were their fears groundless? The dead Kaw brave and the seven Cheyenne warriors who lay dead on the hill almost in sight of the town say "No!" The presence of the raiding Indians in plain view of the people is equivalent to a most emphatic denial of the baseless charge of cowardice. Because Price Perrill, the lone surveyor, hadn't enough of the coward in his makeup, his bones lay bleaching in the sun for weeks on the plains of McPherson county. The Kaw Indian charged with his killing, gloated over, rather than denied, the accusation, and yet there are those who would say the fears of the hardy pioneers were ground- less. It is our duty to tell the story, and the reader's privilege, to refuse to be convinced. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 73 Our Stone FenGes. In traveling over Wabaunsee county the miles of stone fences, especially in the Mill Creek Valley, impress everyone favorably, and reminds the old settler of that period in our county's history when the easy and rapid method of enclosing a farm by a wire fence was unknown. To encourage the building of stone fences and the growing of hedges the legislature of 1867 passed a law giving a bounty j>f five cents per rod for stone or hedge fences, the bounty to continue for eight years. As the bounty would amount to forty cents per rod many of our farmers availed themselves of the benefit of the law. As early as 1869 thousands of rods of stone fence had been built, the tax roll for that year making the following exhibit: Mr. Herman Meseke had built 350 rods of stone fence and Mr. I. L. French, 300 rods. Mr. Joseph Thoes came next with 230 rods, followed by Mr. Ed. Krapp with 210 rods. Others had built stone fence as follows: Eli and Carey Walton, 180 rods; M. Walton, 160 rods; John Schrouder and John Schwanke each 120 rods; R. J. Marrs, 110 rods; A. Fetting, 106 rods; Joseph Treu, 100 rods; Aug. Weber, Aug. Wolgast, Rudolph Arndt, John Copp, Aug. Gerloch, L. Grunewald, F. Ricker- shauser and H. Schultheis, each reporting between 50 and 100 rods, in nearly every case, increasing their fence bounty in accordance with the provisions of the statute. The fact that in nearly every instance the fences are as substantial today as when first built speaks volumes of the value for building purposes of Wabaunsee county stone— everywhere abundant, and yet not presenting any serious obstacles to the farmer in the use of his land for agricultural purposes. THE LAST LOG SCHOOL HOUSE, DIST. NO. 24— ".T \KETOWN. BUILT IN 1869: REPLACED BY STONE BUILDING IN 1884. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. The Golinty Seat Question. Oar State motto with but a slight variation might well apply to Alma in the effort to secure and hold the county seat. When the county was organized Wabaunsee was designated as the county seat, and being the centre of a large settlement the people acquiesced in the location. At that time Alma had no place on the map, but later on the settlers in the southeast part of the county raised objections to the inconvenience arising from the distance and expressed themselves desirous of a change. That the will of the people might be expressed at the polls an election was called for March 6, 1866. At this election the vote stood: For Alma 137 For Wabaunsee 112 Total vote, 249 Necessary to a choice, 125 The law, at that time, required the officers to move to the place having received the highest number of votes within twenty days but a session of the district court having been called for April 9th, a resolu- tion was passed by the board of commissioners postponing the date of removal to May 1, 1866. But the legality of the vote being questioned and no steps being taken to move, the records to Alma a petition was presented to the board Oct. 6, requesting that a new election be called. The prayer of the petitioners was granted and the date of the election set for Nov. 22, 1866. The vote stood: For Alma 142 For Wabaunsee 114 Thoes' Place 1 , Wilmington 1 Alma was again declared the county seat and the records moved over in time for the meeting of the board at the January session, 1867. The records were hauled over in two wagons and deposited in the new court house — the frame house known as the Kaufman building, one block east of the present site of the court house. But other aspirants for the county seat sprung up. The Pottawa- tomie reserve had been opened for settlement (March, 1869)'and settlers had taken advantage of the opportunity to secure the rich lands and comfortable homes for a nominal sum. A town had been laid out at EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 75 Newbury, the whole of Section 22, Township 11, Eange 11 had been platted, with a square, containing 8 acres, in the center. The town company offered to erect a building and donate the use of the same for county purposes for five years and to deed the court house square to the county in case the county seat should be moved to Newbury. Eskridge, with its one house was also an aspirant and offered simi- lar inducements, and the citizens of Alma met the situation by the offer of a stone court house, the title to which should vest in the county after twenty years' occupation. At the January session, 1871, a petition to re-locate the county seat was granted and another election called for Feb. 7, 1871. The vote at this election stood as follows: Alma, Eskridge, Newbury, Wabaunsee, Alma, City, 103 5 Alma, East Pre., 49 is 7 Alma, West Pre., 61 Wabaunsee, 88 4 9 2 Rock Creek, 20 10 Elm Creek, 6 51 Dragoon. 2 88 "i Mission Creek, 3 75 29 Zeandale, 40 13 5 Newbury, East, 43 Newbury, West, 3 111 In the recapitulation of the vote the following figures appear in the records: Alma, 369; Eskridge, 256; Newbury, 217; Wabaunsee, 2. ISIo place having received a majority of the votes cast another election was called for Feb. 21, 1871. The vote stood: For Alma. For Eskridge Alma Pre., 127 3 Alma, East Pre., 55 23 Alma, West Pre., 59 Wabaunsee, 133 "'2 Rock Creek, 13 19 Elm Creek, 48 Dragoon, "3 106 Mission Creek, 23 26 Zeandale, 37 20 Newbury, East, 34 Newbury, West, 12 85 Alma, 465 Eskridge, 429 Alma having received a majority of the votes cast was, for the third time, declared the county seat. Since the law requires a three- fifths vote to bring about a change, and a petition signed by two-thirds of the voters being necessary to call an election for the re-location of a county seat the question of a change is not likely to come before the people for years to come. 76 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Item in Signal February 20, 1899: It is stated on good authority that a family living on the Snokomo being somewhat annoyed by the presence of a frog in the cellar were surprised one morning to find the butter already churned and ready for market. Investigation disclosed the fact that the churning had been done by the frog— in his efforts to get out of the churn. The agitation of the cream had churned the butter into an island on which the frog was calmly waiting for some- thing to turn up— monarch of all he surveyed— which in this case was a small fringe of buttermilk on the outer edge of the island, and the walls of the churn that held his frogship a prisoner. It is said that fabulous offers for the frog have been refused and that it will be trained to salt and print the product of the nocturnal churnings. During the drouth of 1894, the people of Kansas, among other afflictions, were imposed upon by a lot of fakirs styling themselves rainmakers. Alma, not to be behind the times put forward the claims of Dr. Syntax. Of course the Doctor could furnish the usual testi- monials as to ability, experience, level-headedness and fair dealing. Failure to produce rain would cost nothing more than the net outlay for the chemicals used and the pittance of ten dollars a day extra for time engaged and insurance — on account of the imminent and con- stant danger of being blown up by the least oversight in mixing the chemicals used. But soon the windows of Heaven were opened, the floods came and the Doctor, with the rest, found himself out of a job. But the Doctor, being a man of expedients, moved to Oklahoma and married a widow — and never since has had cause to complain of a lack of useful and pleasant employment. A book published in 1854, describing the trip through Kansas of two agents of the Kansas League of Cincinnati contained this pen picture of Leavenworth: "A squatter city has little resemblance to any other city; it belongs to a distinct genus of cities. This is a large and important one, as many hope, of Kansas, and, therefore, worthy of description. There was one steam engine; naked as when it was born; but at work sawing out its clothes. There were four tents, all on one street, a barrel of water (or whiskey) under a tree, and a pot on a pole, over a fire. Under a tree a tpye sticker had his case before him and was at work on the first number of the new paper; and within a frame without a board on side or roof was the editor's desk, and the "Notice" stating that the editor had removed his office from under the elm tree to the corner of "Broadway and Levee." This Broadway was, at that time, much broader than the streets of Old Babylon: for, with the exemption of the fort, there was probably not a house on either side for thirty miles." EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 77 flr rtUntefs Paradise. It is difficult for the average citizen of Wabaunsee county of to-day to imagine a condition of things relative to game production, but a few short years ago as compared with the present surroundings. In 1818 Captain Martin with three companies of United States riflemen encamped for the winter on Cow Island, a few miles above the present site of Fort Leavenworth, and during that winter the com- mand killed nearly three thousand deer, besides great numbers of bears, turkeys and other game. In the fall of 1830 while McCoy's surveying party was camped on Stranger creek, but a few miles out of Fort Leavenworth, a herd of elk, estimated to number two or three hundred, was encountered and several killed. N Colonel Gilpin, speaking of "the Great Plains," of which he con- sidered Kansas as the major part, described the country as the home of infinite herds of aboriginal cattle peculiar to North America— buf- falo, wild horses, elk, antelope, white and black tailed deer, wolves, the hare, badger and smaller animals innumerable. He also described the Great Plains as swarming with poultry— the turkey, prairie chicken the sandhill crane and curlew; water fowl of every variety, the swan, goose, brant and ducks; birds of prey— eagles and vultures; small birds of game and song; wolves, panthers and wild cats. On these the nomadic tribes of Indians subsisted from time im- memorial. From these he drew his supplies— his food, his lodge, fuel, harness, clothing and bed; his armaments, weapons and utensils. These were his sole dependence from the beginning to the end of his existence. The innumerable carniveroiis animals also subsisted upon them. During the Mexican war when Doniphan's and Kearney's expedi- tions passed through Wabaunsee county— on the old Santa Fe trail — they encountered numerous herds of buffalo right in our own country and elk, deer and antelope were killed by the hunters every day. Hon. P. G. Lowe in his address before the Kansas Historical Society, January 14, 1890, speaking of conditions as to game in 1853 78 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. says: "The buffalo range was a little west of a line drawn north and south through Fort Riley (established in 1853). East of that line were plenty of turkey, deer and other small game." Speaking of the plains he said that by reason of the perennial pastures the whole face of the country was a continuous park, where ranged the noble buffalo, the antlered elk,, deer in the vallies, antelope on a thousand hills and smaller game everywhere. The turkey roosts upon all the timbered creeks would astonish the best farmer's wife in America. In 1853 Major Chilton's command found travel blocked with buffalo the whole distance from Cow ereek to Fort Atkinson (six miles west of Dodge City). Standing on any high point, as for as the eye could reach a vast moving mass could be seen, making the earth trem- ble with their tramping and bellowing. It was afterwards learned that the Kiowas and 1 Comanches had actually tried to drive the buf- falo from the Smoky Hill south of the Arkansas— in which they were partially successful. The line of drive extended two hundred miles from east to west and they hunted and worked away on the north side of the herds until the great bulk of them drifted to, and across the river. Colonel W A. Phillips, president of the Kansas Historical Society, said in 1890, in his address, that in 1866 he had seen several thousand elk in a single herd, and that he had seen immense herds of buffalo cover the landscape, and made it as black as ink, in the early summer time, as far as the eye could reach. While the Kansas Pacific railroad was being built hundreds of hunters were engaged in killing buffalos, a few being employed by the grading gangs to supply meat for the contractors, but a greater num- ber killed the animals for their hides, leaving their carcasses to rot on the prairies. I have seen the ground so thickly strewn with the bones of dead animals that you could walk for hundreds of yards over the prairie and never touch foot to the ground. These hunters received the small pittance of one dollar per head and many of these men would kill more than a thousand each during the season. So outrageous was this wholesale slaughter that General Hazen in 1872 appealed to the government for authority to curtail the nefarious work but his appeals were in vain. The Indians were throwing every obstacle in the way of building and operating the railroad and the argument was used that the killing of the buffalos was necessary to de- prive the Indians of their source of supplies, but the department failed to find'in General Hazen an advocate of any such methods. In January, 1872, while a train of cars on the Kansas Pacific was imbedded in a snow drift, a herd of buffalos gathered on the lee side of EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 79 the train for shelter from the storm. It was impossible to drive the stupefied animals away by shouting and the locomotive whistle was no moie effective. The animals huddled close together with bowed heads and their sides close to the cars waiting for the storm to pass over. Had the passengers been so disposed they could have killed the whole herd from the car windows. Many were frozen to death in their tracks near the train. The illustration (Buffalo in the Sixties) hardly does justice to actual conditions as they existed in the sixties at points on the Santa Fe trail between the Cottonwood and Cimarron crossings of the Arkan- sas. Soon after the iron horse had penetrated the "Great American Desert" trains were compelled to stop that the immense herds of buffalo might pass. In 1857 James L. and Haynie Thomson, father and brother of the author of this book, found plenty of buffalo near the Cottonwood cross- ing of the Santa Fe trail. The next year, Mr. Samuel Cripps, and brother Haynie, got all the buffalo meat wanted on Running Turkey creek. Here we found them two years later, although on account of the westward and southern movement of the herds we were compelled to go as far west as Cow creek before securing a load of desirable meat. We saw many small herds in McPherson county and my brother, Davis, killed a buffalo near the site of the present city of Mc- Pherson On Turkey creek hundreds of antelope scampered over the prairie, but little beyond the range of our rifles. The graceful ani- mals were filled with curiosity, showing but little signs of fear at our approach. As to smaller game, chickens, turkeys and rabbits were plentiful here in '57 and for years afterwards. In 1859, my father killed three turkeys with a rifle, all at one shot. In the winter of 1868 as many as twenty deer were seen on the Dragoon in one herd. Two years later Mr. Squire Cantrill saw ten deer in one bunch on the prairie about a mile north of his present resi- dence in Plumb township. Mr. Sebastian Wertzberger was the champion deer hunter of the Mill creek valley, killing from five to twelve each year until the aggre- gate reached beyond the hundred mark. 1873 was the banner year, Sebastian killing twelve that season, besides wounding three he never got. Mr. Wertzberger shot his last deer in 1880. He has several pairs of fine bu ck horns as a proof of his prowess as a deer hunter. iyir. Jo. Luty, who lived on the farm now owned by Herman Treu on the East branch, was fond of hunting but killed but few deer. On account of his love for the chase he sold his farm on Mill creek and moved to Montana. In 1885 probably the last deer on West Branch was killed by the 80 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. section men at Volland. In the spring of '93 Mr. James Kettermann killed two deer on the Spieker place and three weeks later Mr. Louis Drebing killed another on the home place near Halifax, probably the last deer killed in Wabaunsee county. As to small game, such as prairie chickens and rabbits, they were so plentiful in the early days that their presence in many cases was detrimental to the farmers' interests, although not a few were enabled to replenish their scant larders by conditions they saw no reason to deprecate. While, at this period in our county's history, our people are not boasting of their game supply, jack rabbits are abuddant and the com- mon rabbit and quails are plentiful; a few flocks of chickens remain, and ducks at certain seasons, provide our amateur hunters with the means of diversion; although the country isn't the ideal hunting ground it was in years agone our nimrods haven't yet adopted the standard of their eastern prototypes and found sport in the slaughter of doves, meadow larks and pigeons— these are left to the care of boys who find in the plentiful supply an ample field for practice. But, if not now, Wabaunsee county in the past, as part of the Great American Desert, has been in truth, a Hunter's Paradise, Mr. J. J. Mitchell, a member of the Eskridge bar, though emi- nently successful, his path was not always strewn with roses. On first entering upon his checkered career he had an office and in the course of time a client, but his library was built on the limited plan — limited in his case to the massive and well worn lids of the first edition o f Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, and a volume of the 1868 statutes, minus the binding, the index and a few other appurtenances there- unto belonging. Mr. Mitchell surmounted all difficulties and his success is of a kind that other rising young attorneys might well con- sider worthy of emulation. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ;;/ . -iBI I MR. GEORGE SUTHERLAND, Alma. MR. JOHN C. HENDERSON, Alma. MR. A. M. JORDAN, Kuenzli Creek. MR. AUGUST UTERMANN, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JOHN Y. WAUGH, Eskridge. MR. WILLIAM TRUSLER, Eskridge. MR. LYNN M. CHRISTY, Eskridge. MR. IRA L. MORRIS, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ALDEN E. TRUE, Vera. Former State Senator. MR. A. F. WADE, Keene. Former Representative. MR. W. G. WEAVER, Alma. Former Clerk District Court. MR. GEORGE L. CLOTHIER, Vera. Former County Superintendent. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JOHN T. KEAGY, Alma. Former County Attorney, and Probate Judge. DR. G. C. BEALS, Alma. County Health Officer. MR. SAMUEL R. WEED, Wabaunsee. Former Representative. MR. J. F. WILLARD, Wabaunsee. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. J. R. HENDERSON, Alma. Former County Clerk. MR. H. J. PALENSKE, Alma. Former Sheriff. MRS. J. M. JOHNSON, Harveyville. MR. JAMES E. JOHNSON (deed), AND WIFE, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. MARION MEREDITH, Eskridge. MRS. MARION MEEEDITH, Eskridge. MR. J. H. LAWLOR, Eskridge. MRS. J. H. LAWLOR, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. HERBERT C. SHAW, Bradford. MR. A. A. JONES, Bradford. MR. E. STURDY, Bradford. Manager Freeman Ranch. MR. W. J. HINSHAW, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. LOUIS HORNE (dec'd), Alma. MR3. THERESA HORNE, Alma. MR. FRANK OEHMANN, Alma. MR. HENRY GRAVES (dec'd), McFarland. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. MARK SAGE, 'Mission Creek. MR. HENRY RONNAU (Dec'd), Kaw Township. MR. P. E. LEONARD, Alma, Superintendent County Farm. MR. GEORGE FECHTER, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 81 •Pierre, the Capital ! That is what the dispatches said. To the average reader this item 'is of but little interest, hut to the writer this opened up a revelation akin to that bewilderment that startled Rip Van Winkle on waking from his twenty years slumber. In 1862 the country was shocked by one of the most atrocious In- dian massacres that it was possible for devils in human form to con- ceive. There was a general uprising of the confederated Sioux tribes, and known as the Minnesota massacre. But a large part of the settled portion of Dakota, Nebraska and parts of Iowa were visited by the scourge of devastation at the hands of these human fiends who, in warfare, show no mercy, and have no respect forage, sex, or condition. At Spirit Lake, in nortnern Iowa, women and children were impaled on sharpened poles and subjected to every indignity possible for human fiends to perpetrate, until death came to the relief of those who had suffered tortures equivalent to a thousand deaths. Though the powers of the government were strained to their utmost, yet the appeals of the distressed pioneer were not made in vain. In the spring of 1863, General Sully, with two regiments of cavalry, and a park of mountain howitzers, set out on an expedition against the hostile tribes. Sioux City, Iowa, was the outfitting point. Sioux City at that time was about as large as Alma. It was a dull and sleepy town, but two regiments of volunteers and several hundred quartermaster em- ployes put new life into the dull village. But in a short time the little army moved on up the river past Port Randall, on beyond the Crow Creek agency, and then to a point opposite old Tort Pierre. The river was low and the little stern wheel steamers made slow work of transporting supplies to the camp opposite Fort Pierre. So for nearly two months the present site of the newly chosen capital of Dakota was utilized as a camping ground for Sully's command. A mile below hundreds of Sioux Indians were encamped, and with them were several squaw men. Of these squaw men, several were chosen as guides to lead the command to the camp of their hostile brothers on the plains farther north. Among the guides was one that has since become famous as "Belden, the White Chief." 82 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. That was a desolate country then. Not a dozen ranches were in existence above Fort Randall. Fort Pierre, opposite the camp was not a government fort but merely a French trading post established by a Frenchman, no less wild than the Indians, for the purpose of trading with the Sioux. To "stand in" with the Indians was a matter of necessity, and the soldiers would as soon trust an Indian as these "Par- levoos." But there were no other guides and it was these squaw men or nothing, and to this day the members of the 6th Iowa and 2nd Nebraska cavalry will insist that the ill success of the expedition was due to the treacherous guides. Pierre, the Capital ! And only twenty six years ago the monot- onous noise of a military camp was only broken by the braying of hungry mules or the sound of the tom-tom wafted across the river from the Indian camps around the fort. Pierre, the capital ! Pierre with its railroad facilities, and electric lights., and handsome school-buildings, and town lots selling at a thousand dollars per foot. What a change. Where is Rip Van Winkle? Give him another shake. "A mass of seething humanity." "People driving in buggies over the hills north of town to look at property." That is the way the dispatches read. It is well to give Rip Van Winkle another shake. The wonders that would be unfolded might well cause the old fellow to turn in his grave. Buggies in Dakota in 1863 would have been as much out of place as a bovine in a china shop. The only property in that country in those days worth looking after was a man's scalp, and each one endeavored to take care of his own. But driving or riding over the hills to the north in those days would have been a risky venture. In August, 1863, Sully's command formed a line of march of five columns and moved forward toward the supposed location of the vil- lages of the hostile Sioux. General Sully, staff and body guard, followed by the mountain howitzers, formed the central column. On either side was a long line of wagons an d and ambulances, and on the outside of these was a regi- ment of cavalry— the 6th Iowa on the right and the 2nd Nebraska on the left. A herd of beef cattle, guarded by a company of cavalry, brought up the rear. In this manner for a distance of 600 miles, the command marched through a hostile country in which the house of a white man had never been seen. Deer and antelope were frequently seen, and there were buffalo in plenty—and that it will be remembered was east of the Missouri river. EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 83 At that time, where buffalo were found, Indians were not far away. The carcasses of buffalo, recently killed, was evidence that the Indian villages were near and that they were engaged in providing themselves with meat for winter use. On September 3, 1863, the command, with the exception of a bat- talion of cavalry, had gone into camp after a hard day's march. This batalion of cavalry was scouting in front and had come upon a village of 600 lodges of the hostile Sioux. The chief scout, La Frombois, had returned to camp, and reporting the near proximity of the Indians, the two regiments were immedi- ately put under marching orders. Never was the bugle call of "Boots and Saddles" obeyed with greater alacrity. The two regiments of cavalry had been recruited from among the pioneers of Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota, and many of the soldiers had lost friends or relatives in the terrible massacre of the year before. It was but a few short moments from the time the call was sounded until 2000 cavalry and a battery of mountain howitzeis were hidden in a cloud of dust raised in the direction of the hostile camp ten miles away. The battalion of cavalry scouting for Indians in front of Sully's command was composed of several companies of the 6th Iowa. In that regiment was a company of gray horses, another one of black horses, etc. The black horse company was a part of the scouting battalion. The Indians, who, by the way, had seen the advancing troops long before their village was discovered, had met the advancing column some distance from the village, and were quick to notice the absence of the white horses. This was evidence to them that only a part of the troops were in their immediate front. There being about four thousand. warriors in the village the younger warriors of the tribe were in favor of annihilating the band before the reinforcements arrived, while the older members, men with families in the camp, were opposed to doing anything that would jeopardize the loss of their property, or that would endanger the lives of their wives and children. The Indians were not asleep. They had seen the scout, La Frambois, leave the command, and suspected that he had returned for the main body of the troops. As soon as this became known, run- ners were sent to the Indian village with orders to move camp with- out delay. In carrying out these orders no time was lost, and when General Sully, with two regiments of cavalry came up, there was but one tepee standing in the village. The others, with papooses, puppies and other household belongings, were strapped on the backs of the little army of Indian ponies ad were scattered for miles and making good time in the direction of a more healthful climate. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. General Sully followed the Indians and overtook the main body in a ravine about a mile from the deserted village, and had he permitted the mountain howitzers to enfilade the ravine, as some of his sub- ordinates desired, but few Indians would have been left alive to ren- der a second expedition necessary. But being more merciful than the Indians had shown themselves, he refused to allow the cannon to be used on account of the slaughter of the women and children who were scrambling along in a confused mass of ponies, warriors, squaws, children and dogs. Every possible endeavor was made to induce the Indians to sur- render. About three hundred took advantage of the opportunity pre- sented to save their property and families from possible destruction, but the majority kept up their hurried flight. This condition of things could not last. A large number t-f the soldiers had lost friends or relatives by Indian barbarities, and had enlisted that they might inflict on the Indians that punishment they deserved. With or with- out orders firing began, and the heaps of dead ponies told of the terri- ble execution of the volleys of minnie balls poured into the retreating mass. Evidence of the panic that ensued was shown in the piles of tepees and camp equipage of every description scattered for miles over the prairie, plainly marking the course of the stampede. It was a flight for life, but the warriors stood their ground, and it being late in the afternoon, they held possession of the field all night, carrying off their dead, and, with but few exceptions, their wounded. The soldiers lost twenty-two killed and thirty eight wounded. Among the latter was the adjutant of the 6th Iowa, who being wounded in the hips, was compelled to lie on the field all night. Be- ing cold he had pulled over him a buffalo robe lying- near. The Indians, in looking for their own dead and wounded, came across the adjutant, and, finding him alive, thrust a spear twice through his body, cutoff his ears and scalped him.* Notwithstanding all this he lived until the next afternoon, being able to relate to his sorrowing brother officers the terrible scenes en- acted around him as he lay helpless on the ground the night before. At nightfall the command withdrew to a hill overlooking the site of the deserted village where they bivouaced without fire or blankets until the arrival of the wagon train, which was about sunrise next morning. On the 15th of September, 1863, a Sioux Indian village of 600 * In "Belden, the White Chief," is an illustration in which the adjutant is por- trayed as fighting with his sword, the squaws, who, it is related, inflicted upon the adjutant the injuries that caused his death. With the exception of the prisoners and a tow of the wounded, the squaws were miles away, looking- after their papooses and taking- care of their own scalps. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 85 lodges was located on every side of a small but beautiful lake situated near the dividing line between North and South Dakota. The lodges were of tanned buffalo skins, supported by a frame work of slender spruce poles, brought from the Black Hills. Each lodge afforded shelter for about ten persons. The country around furnished excellent pasturage for the hun- dreds of ponies that constituted the principal wealth of the nomadic bands gathered together for protection from the soldiers sent to avenge the wrongs suffered at the hands of the savages the year before. Every movement of the command had been watched for days, and, but for the tell-tale carcasses of the buffalo scattered for miles over the prairies, it is doubtful whether the village would have been found, on account of its secluded site— the hills on every side rendering it visible but a short distance from any direction. But the commotion in camp showed too plainly of blasted hopes. The camp had been discovered, and the only remaining hope was in flight before the arrival of the main body of troops. There was a hurried gathering in of the ponies, and there was such a confused hustling of household belongings, as they were being packed on the backs of ponies, as was seldom seen in an Indian village. With the long tepee poles strapped to the sides of the ponies, and the huge wickerwork travois strapped to the poles behind the animals, and a load on the pony's back he was ready to take his place in the line of march. With hundreds of hands at work, it was not long before the bust- ling village was a thing of the past. This was an extraordinary occa- sion, and it was devil take the hindmost. So, long before the arrival of Sully and his command, the least encumbered of the Indians were streaming over the hills toward some quiet nook where the blue coats would not care to follow. But the troops were upon them before the main body of the Indians had reached a point a mile beyond the village. We have told of the fight and withdrawal of the troops to the hill near the site of the deserted village. It was long and weary waiting in the cold and darkness, but with the dawn of day the soldiers were gladdened by the sight of the ad- vancing train. Ere long the camp fires were lighted and but for the gloom that overspread the camp, by reason of missing comrades, the usual good cheer would soon have prevailed. The last sad rites of burying the dead being performed, and the wounded having been made as comfortable as posssble under the circumstances, other duties must be performed. The Indians were hovering around the camp ready to cut off any stragglers that might venture outside the lines. Scouting parties were sent out in search of the Indians, and some of them had no difficulty in finding them. One company, save one man, EARLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY. KAN. left their guns behind them in their hurry to reach camp ahead of the Indians. Marking the line of retreat, and within a mile of camp, the site of the deserted village, were hundreds of abandoned tepees, buffalo robes, camp equipage, and in fact everything to be found in an Indian camp. Hundreds of arrows, bows already strung, tomahawks, pipes, scalps of women and children killed in the massacre a year before, doubtless preserved as mementoes of some brave, who on this occasion concluded that discretion was the better part of valor. It was now the soldiers' turn at gathering souvenirs, and many a home in Iowa and Nebraska of today may boast of some Indian relic saved from the torch that was soon applied to the heaps of traps gathered together by the soldiers detailed for the work. But all were not souvenirs, that are today valued, though they may be of assistance in drawing a pension. Some wounded Indians had been missed in the search of their comrades. One of these sent an arrow through the arm of a soldier looking for curios, and another had a steel arrow head driven into his skull with such force as to re- quire the united strength of one of the surgeons and two assistants to withdraw the ugly missile. It is needless to add that these members of the Lo family were, without ceremony, sent on their journey to the "happy hunting grounds." Around the camp were hundreds of dogs that had lost their reckon- ing during the panic and hovered around the deserted village, that was now in the hands of a strange people whom the dogs deemed worthy of a nightly serenade of the most dismal howling. It was the custom among the Indians to provide the dogs with small tepee kennels for shelter. When on the march the small tepee poles were strapped to the dogs and a bundle strapped behind. Some- times this was the dog tepee, and again a buffalo robe or some article of wearing apparel, and occasionally the load would be a more precious burden, the idol of the Indian household, the youngest papoose. Among the bewildered dogs, dozens of them were aimlessly wan- dering about with their packs still strapped to them and these were shot down that their valuable loads might be secured. As one of the details of soldiers was gathering in heaps the In- dian trappings that the torch might be applied, he saw an object among the weeds growing in the bed of a dry lake which he supposed was a dog with a pack. Thinking to kill the dog that his pack might be secured, he proceeded to the spot and after peering cautiously around he got sight of the object that had attracted his attention, but it proved to be a different animal from that which he expected to find. It was a long object covered by a buffalo robe. From under one end a beaded moccasin protruded and at the other end the rounded form EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 87 suggested that underneath that part of the covering lay an Indian's head. There was the click of the hammer, and a sharp report and another member of the Sioux tribe had gone to loin Hiawatha. It was not a soldierly act, but the mutilated bodies of their dead comrades found on the field and the horrible scenes enacted at Spirit Lake, were too fresh in the minds of the Second Nebraska to foster feelings akin to sentiment in the matter of dealing with an Indian. A new difficulty now presented itself. Fort Pierre was the base of supplies, and that was 300 miles away. The supply of rations was run- ning short and there were 300 Indian prisoners to feed. The only alternative was to draw from the Indians' supply of commissary stores. These consisted of jerked (dried) buffalo meat, and were scattered over the prairie along the line of the stampede. Hundreds of packages of about fifty pounds each were encased in buffalo hides. Ten six-mule teams were sent out and were quickly loaded with these supplies, and it may be said that they were too much relished by the soldiers to ad- mit of the Indian prisoners monopolizing this branch of the commis- sary department. The work of gathering these supplies furnished an opportunity to those engaged in the work of saving from the torch an Indian relic that might be considered worth the transportation back to a civilized country. And there is doubtless in many a home in Iowa and Ne- braska today relics of the Sully expedition against the Sioux Indians in 1863 The writer has in his possession a wooden bowl of Sioux man- ufacture that he picked up on the line of the stampede. In passing over the ground, one of the detail, observing a beauti- fully painted robe, raised it up with the intention of appropriating it to his own private nse. As he lifted it a faint cry came from beneath it— a cry that startled all within the short distance it could be heard. It was the cry of a newly born papoose, that had been ushered into the world amid such scenes of tumult and carnage as are seldom seen. Nothing short of a reign of pandemonium could have caused that mother, though an Indian, to leave her babe on the cold ground, with but a robe for protection from the chilly air of northern Dakota, The robe was replaced with the intention of having the papoose placed in the hands of one of the squaws among the prisoners, but the same ruthless hands of those, none the less savage in their instincts than the merciless Indians, rendered impossible such an act of human- ity. The little one was deserving of a better fate, and had a mother's care been delegated to a foster parent, future years may have developed the foundling into a useful member of that great family of brother- hood, that can look, with no other feeling than one of abhorrence 8S EABLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. on scenes that tend to rob our natures of all that is good, and pure and ennobling, that are essential to fit us for that better life beyond the grave. Charge of the Mule Brigade. When the Santa Fe brakeman called out the station at Iron Springs the writer's thoughts were occupied by other things than the sage brush skirting the road-bed through the most desolate section of Southern Colorado. He was thinking less of the rocky basin marking the holes of brackish water with which the weary traveler was, in times past, glad to quench his, thirst, than of Pat McCloskey's narrow- escape from the "Texicans." In the Spring of 1864 our lot was cast with twenty other govern- ment employes returning from Fort Union, New Mexico, to the "States." Pat McCloskey, one of our party, was constantly regaling the boys with his thrilling adventures, narrow escapes from the In- dians, &c. Pat, in his own estimation, was quite a hero, but somehow his companions failed to place so high an estimate on his bravery as he himself seemed to entertain. fc While at Fort Union some of the garrison manifested a little un- easiness lest the Texans should treat them to a repetition of the Val- verde raid. At the Fort preparations had been made to give the Texans a warm reception and the batteries of light artillery and field guns about the post presented a forbidding as well as military appear- ance and the boys accused McCloskey of being somewhat cowed by the warlike indications. However, in proportion as the distance from the scene of the probable invasion increased the spirits of our boasting comrade seemed to revive and when we went into camp at Iron Springs the horrid "Texicans" had been forgotten. But along in the afternoon at a time when the camp had settled down for a quiet rest after the fatigues of the day's march the still- ness was broken by frantic yells from the direction of Fort Union. "The Texicans are coming ! The Texicans are coming!" The camp was immediately aroused, and looking down the road whom should we see but McCloskey, hat in hand, running for dear life toward camp. With pallid face and his long hair streaming in the wind McCloskey hardly dared cast behind him a glance to assure himself of the EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 89 character of his pursuers — who proved to be a half dozen men with a score of pack mules on their way to Fort Lyon, on the Arkansas. The mules were on a brisk run and being encumbered by such camp equipments as frying pans, sheet iron camp kettles, etc., made quite a din and created in the mind of McCloskey the the impression that two or three regiments of Texans were making a charge on his rear. Not until McCloskey had arrived sufficiently near camp to enable him to discover the merriment his appearance was exciting,' did he realize that he was making a spectacle of himself. During the remainder of the trip all that was necessary to put a quietus on McCloskey 's yarn-spinning was to ask him to tell about "The Charge of the Mule Brigade at the Iron Springs." Some Farming Experiences. Five Alma boys can tell all about it. They had experience of a practical kind . It was somewhat limited— short and— well, not very sweet. A farmer living five miles south of Alma, seeing that the weeds were making inroads into his corn crop, gave it out that a few boys could get steady employment in the business of hoeing corn. No advertising was done for the very good reason that it wasn't necessary. One boy had heard of the soft snap and he lost no time in communicating the good tidings to his chums. The idea of getting a whole twenty-five-cent piece for such a little thing as a day's work seemed too good to be true, but the boys — five of them — concluded to go out and investigate. Vivid pictures of big piles of corn flitted before the honest farm- er's eyes as the boys lined up for inspection before him. Yes, they all wanted work. Each of the boys had a good home in Alma, but in the city no means is provided by which boys can properly exercise their muscle. In town is a poor place for a boy to work off his surplus energy, and the boys had come to the country to lend a helping hand in saving the crops for and in consideration of the sum of twenty-five cents a day, per capita. There were five boys but not enough hoes to go around. But so small a matter could be easily remedied. A boy could ride to town and get a hoe. That was the easiest job he ever had. But using the 90 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. hoe was different. An hour and a half cutting weeds with that hoe convinced that party that the whole farming business was a grinding monopoly, and pitching the hoe into a clump of weeds our would-be farmer made a break for Alma, where the city hires a man for the special purpose of attending to the weed cutting business. Boy No. 2 worked a full half hour and then gave up— not the ghost, but his job, for the better one he left at home. Boy No. 3 after working fifteen minutes broke his hoe-handle. The farmer put in another, but when he looked for that boy there was a big vacant spot that a few minutes before had been occupied by a 65- pound would-be farmer. Boy No. 4 only came to look on to see how he would like it. He liked it. "Work was a good thing, but he was generous to a fault, so he left the whole job to be divided among the other boys— just as they saw fit. But boy No. 5 beat the record. He stayed five whole days. He had just as hard a job at home and there wasn't any twenty-five cents a day in it either, and that is why he stuck to it so long. When the boy who had worked an hour and a half returned home he had a dismal story to tell of the farmer's hard lot — and it wasn't in the cow-lot, either — where he said a part of his duty was to milk three cows — two more than at home. It was to his mother he went with his grievance— of how the boys had to work in the hot sun— of how they sweat and got, oh, so dirty ! And the man said they would have to sleep in the barn and worst of all, they must work there three or four days before he could determine whether or not their work was worth twenty-five cents a day. In those few long days— or hours — those boys learned more about farming than Horace Greely knew when he wrote his book. Their knowledge was of the practical kind, while that possessed by the re- nowned Horace was only theoretical. But the lesson learned on the farm will not be lost. Not one of those boys but returned home better contented with his lot. Each had seen a good deal of the world from a boy's standpoint. He had tasted the bitterness of life's realities and the impression left was any- thing but pleasant— yet just such experiences are necessary to enable the average boy to better fight the great battle of life after he has once crossed the real threshold. EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 91 Ar Rabbit Farm. Fake stories of skunk farms, rattle snake farms, frog farms, etc., tend to satisfy the curious, but they usually lack the element of truth. But one doesn't have to drawn on his imagination to tell of Alma's first rabbit farm— or rather a little farm on which the chief industry was the raising of the genuine Belgian hare. To Mr. Fred Meyer is the credit due for this infant industry that antedated by several years the fad of raising Belgian hares that has since spread to every state in the Union. Beginning in 1895, Mr. Meyer raised on his five acre tract in the north east part of town Belgian hares by the hundreds. Although but little outlay was made for advertising, a large number of shipments were made to parties residing a thousand miles or more from the little farm where the hares first saw the light. In addition to the number sold for breeding purposes, Mr. Meyer's table was bountifully supplied with dressed Belgian hare, a dish that compares favorably with the dantiest the market can provide. In 1898 the hares had increased in numbers until about 300 were awaiting orders for shipment or were ready to supply the tables of those desirous of indulging in a luscious dish of Belgian hare. These hares were about the size of our common jack rabbits, a little darker in color and as tame and playful as kittens. The industry requiring more time and attention than the proprietor felt that he could give to it, the business was closed out— just as the fad was being taken up and the raising of hares had become a source of income to thousands of people unaware of the fact that the initial starting point was at the little town of Alma. Referring to this farm the Arkansas City Dispatch said in April, 1897: ''This is probably the only farm of the kind in the world. Item in Signal, May 15, 1897: We learn that A. A. Jones has had an experience with a Texas steer that will last a life time— Alf 's life- time, we mean. The steer's life is gone— he died of over production— of acquaintanceship with Alf— and his son, Ditto. Ditto is the other name for Sheldon. Alf was in sore straits— as it looked to a man up a tree— that was Sheldon. He had gone to help Alf and concluded he 92 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. could do him as much good up a tree as on the ground. The precedent before him was sufficient proof of the correctness of his position—the precedent was separated from Sheldon by a gooseberry patch— and the steer wasn't far away— they never are when they are mad— at least they don't stay far away very long at a time— and that was what was the matter with Alf. The steer was so close he bruised Alf's ribs, skinned his face, and poked his horns through his pants, worked out his pocket book and scattered the contents over something more than an acre of ground. Thafs what the Star says, and the Star's reputation for truth and veracity isn't to be doubted, unless one wants to get into a scrap, and we don't. As time advances the advantages presented by Wabaunsee county as a grazing county become more and more apparent. With her thousands of acres of grazing lands, with her wooded streams of pure and sparkling waters and our proximity to market our facilities are uhexceled anywhere, and wide-awake stockmen show excellent judg- ment in selecting Alma, the center of our large grazing district, as their headquarters from which to direct their operations. But our farmers and merchants share a large percentage of the benefits de- rived. Their share of the profits -from the sale of their surplus grain, supplies and extra pasturage net them substantial returns. Our county has been well named '-The Switzerland of Kansas." While the appellation is not inappropriate, the fact remains that few local- ities anywhere possess greater advantages to men engaged in the cattle industry. Item in the Signal, July 10. 1897: If you don't believe it rained on Saturday night last ask that McParlard young man hew it locked to a man up a tree. The good people down at the McCrumb crossing hear- ing the roaring waters went down to the crossing where they espied a strange pony with a saddle on, almost convincing them that some be- lated traveler had gone down in the turbulent waters of Mill creek. But a voice from the tree tops announced that the owner of the voice wasn't drowned but a little bit damp and somewhat chilled from the effects of an involuntary bath. The young gentleman had been making a call that had been somewhat prolonged by the refusal on the part of the rain to stop. In attempting to cross the northern ap- proach to the McCrumb bridge the pony was washed down the stream and the rider saved from drowning by an overhanging limb— enabling the weary survivor of the flood to resume his place as manager of the Rock Island eating house at McFarland. EAELY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 93 One of (Jnde Sam's Kids. As Ira Hodgson's experience is but that of a score of Wabaunsee county boys who suffered the pangs of disappointment by reason of being unable to fill the requirements necessary to pass the mustering officer, we tell his story in his own words: "June 1st, 1861, found me 15 years and 4 months old, and the North and South in a death grapple for supremacy. What was fret- ting me was that the scrimmage would be settled before I was big enough to join in the scrap. But I wasn't troubled that way long. My parents' folks— the Morgans and Crittendons— were fighters from away back, and I considered myself one of the speckled hen's chickens, and I wanted to fight too. You don't have to scratch more than through the skin to find the barbarian in the best of humanity, and I was no exception to the rule. There were about 1100 of the Hodgson family but they were Quakers and didn't believe much in war. But they were abolitionists and would run underground railroads— with colored men as passengers, as a matter of course. When the war broke out about half of the Hodgson family lived North of Mason and Dixon's line and the other half. South. In the South, every one that was old enough, was in the Confederate army, and they were hard old fighters too. In the North, although not so many went into the army, still there are scores of Hodgsons that wore the blue that fill unmarked graves in the sunny South. In 1861 1 was presumptious enough to imagine I was as large as I felt. I thought myself a match for any foe if I just had a gun, so I enlisted. But when the mustering-in officer came around he told me to step out and go home and stay with my mother awhile before I was big enough to be a soldier. He said they might need me later on. I never felt so small in my life. It seemed to me as though I settled right down into my boots and could just see over the tops of 94 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. them. , I racked right out for home. I couldn't stand the rest of them joshing me about being so small. But if I couldn't do one thing I would try another. So I hired to a wagon-master of a freight train and made a trip to New Mexico and back. Freighting in that day and age was a hard racket for a kid and I didn't grow much on the trip. I measured myself but didn't come up to the standard of a soldier. In the spring of '62 I was still below the standard, and I took an- other trip freighting to Santa Fe. I got back Augut 21, '62, and found the fighting still going on in dead earnest. Each side had found they had a big job on hand. G-reek had met Greek. The soldiers of the hardest fighting nation in the world had met on several bloody fields and had demonstrated that one side had no advantage of the other as far as fighting qualities were concerned. The American is a foe worthy of any man's steel — let him be Russian, Prussian, Briton or Turk. The country was needing soldiers and now was my chance. I hadn't got big enough yet to fill the standard, but necessity sometimes compels the government to vary a little in regard to height and weight. They were recruiting now for the 11th Kansas Infantry, so I just footed it to Fort Leavenworth and enlisted in Co. E. The mustering- in officer scrutinized me pretty close. He said I was pretty small but as I had footed it one hundred miles to enlist he thought I had pluck enough for a soldier if I didn't have the size. So he said he guessed he would have to take me in. I felt awful proud of being a Kansas soldier then and I can say I have no reason to be ashamed of it yet. The Kansas soldier is one of the best that tramps the earth. He has few equals and no superior. He has been tried on over one hundred hard fought battle-fields and has never been found wanting. When the war commenced the Kansas soldier had his record to make and he was subjected to a good deal of ridicule and derision from regiments from older states that had former records as soldiers. But when the war was over the Kansas soldier's fighting qualities were not questioned by either friend or foe. Well, the regiment was drilled about four weeks at Fort Leaven- worth and then we were sent to the front on a forced march— on a four hundred mile trip. The large boys and men had a good deal of fun at my expense be- cause I was small. They said I couldn't carry a gun, and forty rounds of amunition, and my blanket and knapsack and keep up on the march. They said I would have to be hauled in one of the wagons or an ambu- lance. EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 95 I had nothing to say but I did a whole lot of thinking. I thought I knew who would have to crawl into a wagon. That spring and sum- mer I had footed it from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe and back, and from Leavenworth home, and from home to Leavenworth to en- list, and I thought I knew what walking meant. The first day out the command made about forty-five miles and the next day about twenty miles. The second day when we got into camp the big boys and men were strung out for about five miles, limping along with sore feet or stealing a ride in the wagons when they could get in. The next day it was the same, only worse. Then I had the laugh on them. I asked them who had to be hauled in the wagon? I was used to walking and could run the best of them down. But they got all right after they got used to walking. When we got down into Arkansas we camped close to a rebel woman's house and near our regiment three soldiers belonging to the 6th Kansas — dispatch bearers— were encamped. The sergeant of the squad was a large, coarse looking old man. He went to the house and asked the woman for a skillet to fry his meat in. I was drawing a bucket of water at the well near the door and heard the conversation. She told the sergeant that she wouldn't lend him anything— that soldiers would lie and steal everything they could lay their hands on. The old sergeant said: "Madam, I am as honest as I am ugly; I will bring your skillet back! " She looked him all over and then handed him the skillet without saying another word. Thinks I, old man, if you are as honest as you are ugly, your word ought to be as good as your bond. He took the woman's skillet back as soon as he got his meat fried and borrowed it again next morning, again taking it back. Soon after that my father (Allen Hodgson) wrote me that he had a cousin in the 6th Kansas Cavalry by the name of Jonathan Hodg- son and if I ever got a chance I had better go and see him. The first time I ran across the 6th Kansas I inquired for him and when I found him who should it be but the old sergeant that borrowed the skillet. We had a good laugh over the first time we met in Arkansas. At Pea Ridge we met General Scofield's command going North, but we pushed on and joined General Blunt in North Western Arkan- sas. In a few days we marched to Fort Wagner in the Cherokee Nation. Here were about 7000 rebels and Indians. General Blunt pitched into them with the 2nd and the 11th Kansas and Rabb's bat- tery. The 2nd Kansas charged their battery and captured it before the balance of our command got up. When we got there on the run the Indian regiment followed them up and killed and scalped a good many of them. Our next shindy was 96 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. at Cane Hill, Arkansas. The rebels were ready for us and had every- thing fixed. They had a six gun battery in position. The 2nd Kan- sas, with Rabb's battery and the 11th Kansas were in the advance. Rabb's battery charged up within 400 yards of the rebel battery. The rebel battery was already in position and Rabb's battery had to go into position under fire, and before it could get ready for action it was pretty badly used up. The first shot from Rabb's battery knocked one gun off of the wheels. They done them up in short order when they got at it. The first man I saw when we came up was one of the battery boys leaning up against a tree with his under jaw shot clean off. We had a running fight through the mountains for about 11 miles. Night came on and that stopped the fight for that day. We stayed at Cane Hill till the 7th day of December, '62 The 5th day of December, General Hindman made a feint on Cane Hill. On the 6th he renewed the attack. His idea was to fight us there with part of his army and move the main part around on the Wier road to Hickman's mills where our supply train was. Blunt had a scout on that road but neglected his business and let Hindman go around the night of the 6th. We were fighting on picket line all night and looking for a hard battle the next day, but a little after sunrise we heard a heavy artillery fire to the north west. We knew then what was up — Hindman was after our supply train. As luck would have it, General Herron was on his way 'to reinforce Blunt and met Hindman at Prairie Grove and then the fight com- menced. Herron had four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, which with Blunt's command made about 8000 men. When we heard the cannon at Prairie Grove we started on the double quick and got there about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. They had Herron's men pretty badly done up. Hindman had about 5000 reinforcements come onto the field the same time we got in. We could hear Herron's men cheering. When they heard us open on the left they went in again in dead earnest. It was a pitched battle from then till after dark. Finally both sides fell back. We knew we were badly used up but expected to try it again the next day. We stayed in line of battle all night but we found the next morning the rebels had retreated. • As near as I can recollect we lost about 2000 men, killed and wounded. The next day we buried the dead and moved the wounded to Fayetteville. The 9th of December we started back to Cane Hill. The rebels had moved their wounded to that place and they we in our lines. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 97 The government furnished them rations as long as we stayed there. The last of January we started for Van Buren and Fort Smith. From the bluff above Van Buren we could see the streets filled with soldiers. A charge by the 2nd Kansas resulted in the capture of about 300 confederates and the town. Next we took Fort Smith, capturing three steamboats loaded with supplies. We then returned to Huntsville and thence to Vernon county, Mo. Another short trip South was followed by a furlough — Justin time to join U. S. Marshal McDowell's posse in pursuit of Bill Anderson on his raid through his old stamping ground. Bill got within speaking distance of our sentries near the Cottonwood crossing of the Santa Fe Trail, but he wheeled about and in a few days was back in old Missouri without losing a man. Was It a MistaKe? On Oct. 3, 1865, a petition signed by H.J. Loomjs and nine others was presented to the board of county commissioners, praying for the voting of bonds to the amount of $100,000, to aid the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. The petition was rejected, but a few months later the sum of $50,000 was asked for and an election ordered— to be held Feb. 24, 1866. But again the proposition was rejected by a vote of 127 to 49. The Santa Fe was then in its swaddling clothes and in view of the gigantic undertaking it was but natural tnat the company should seek assistance to enable it to accomplish what then seemed a problem impossible of solution. Whether or not the residents of Osage and Lyon counties were more far-seeing than ourselves is an undetermined question but at any rate they voted the bonds asked for and secured for themselves ad van- tages in the way of railroad facilities that we might have had for the asking. Considering the fact that after long and weary waiting we voted nearly three times the amount that had been asked for, in bonds, for a feeder to what has proven to be a great National highway the question 93 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. as to the mistake made could be correctly answered only by a reply in the most emphatic affirmative. Our enthusiasm in the matter of railroads was aroused at an hour detrimental to our material interests, but it came, nevertheless. Not at l+orrie. Our short story refers to an occasion when absence from home possibly saved the life of the early settler, who, fortunately, was not at home when the stranger called to pay, what the circumstances seemed to indicate, an unfriendly visit. In the early days of 1857 the elder Mr. Crafts was keeping batch in the Gilbert house (our first home) on Dragoon creek. He had shoul- dered his rifle and at the time referred to was sitting on the ridge about a quarter of a mile east of the house hoping to get a stray shot at a deer that frequented the patch of timber near the old "mill pond. " While watching for deer Mr. Crafts kept his weather eye on the house and to his surprise saw an Indian, with rifle in hand, creeping —in a crouched position— towards the old house— expecting, probably, to find the old gentleman at home. Cautiously and stealthily the Indian crept toward the cabin. Arriving near the house he appeared to be listening for some sound from within that might indicate the presence of the one whom he was evidently seeking for no good purpose It is needless to say that the elder Crafts was a close observer as to the Indian's movements and it is more than probable that in this instance the old pioneer derived considerable satisfaction from the fact that more than a quarter of a mile of space intervened between his own person and that of the wily Mr. Lo. Mr. Crafts often congratulated himself that for once in his life- time he was fortunate in being "Not at home." EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 99 On the Ground Floor. All are familiar with the story of the agent, who, having sunk a fortune in speculating with his employer's capital held out promising inducements in a "sure thing" by assuring his supposed easy victim that he would be let in "on the ground floor." That is all right, said Mr. Go-easy, but my experience has been of a kind to induce the belief that the ground floor would be a mighty good place but for the that I have invariably found ahead of me in the cellar. Bi>t there is no cellar in the comparison involving the reputation of Charley and Chris Rath for getting in on the ground floor. These two enterprising German boys came to Wabaunsee county in the fifties and at once proceeded to make things come their way. With com- mendable foresight the boys set about preparing for the influx of that immigration they felt assured would seek out the good farming lands in the Mill creek valley. With prophetic vision they beheld the conditions that should con- trol in the years to come. It was clear to them that with the advent of prosperity the customs of the people would undergo a change. While in those clays a diet of pumpkins was more than acceptable waving wheat fields and cribs brimming full of corn would induce aristocratic tendencies and create a demand for the wherewith to manufacture brown bread and biscuits galore. The boys would anticipate the advent of the Utopian era by erect- ing a mill. Before bidding adieu to the Fatherland they had seen the overshot mills of the Upper Rhine and had copied in miniature with a jack-knife what they now proposed to put to a practical test in the waters of Mill creek. Stone wag quarried and hauled to a point on the Droege farm, one and a half miles south of Alma, The wheel was put in place and the day dreams of the sturdy boys were all but realized when the big flood of June, 1858, blasted their hopes of making a fortune in the mill- ing business, forever. But the young men were not altogether discouraged. They drifted west and with Grifenstein made a good living poisoning wolves on the Walnut— and here is where the boys proved good their proverbial aptness for getting in on the ground floor. LofC. 109 EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Peacock, with Allison, had made a big fortune trading with the Indians, trappers, and overland freighters, at their trading post at the mouth of the Walnut. The} 7 had no banks in which to deposit their hordes of gold other than the sandy banks of Walnut creek and the Arkansas river. Holes were dug within the stockade and here was buried their treasure, taken in exchange for such barter as was accept- able to their plainsmen customers. But with all Peacock's shrewdness be was indiscreet enough to warn those crossing the plains against the treachery and double deal- ing of Satank, the terror of the plains in the sixties. Taking offense at the contents of a begging paper given him by Peacock, Satank went with a band of his followers to the ranch and expressed to Peacock the fear that soldiers were coming. Peacock's assurance to the contrary was in vain. Peacock must see. At Satank's urgent request the ranchman mounted the stockade and scanned the horizon with his long spyglass. While looking for the soldiers — with one eye closed — an arrow from Satank's strong bow sank deep in the socket of the other eye — and the life of one of the most daring of the pioneers of the plains went out forever. Then followed a horrible and indiscriminate slaughter— only one life was spared. A man with the smallpox was not disturbed. Not mercy, but fear of the dreaded scourge, was responsible for the seem- ing act of lenience on the part of Satank and his minions that day. In vain the Indians sought the hiding places of the treasure they hoped to find. They prodded the ground but digging holes was too much like work. Not so with Charley and Chris Rath. True to their punctual methods they were on hand in time and a little digging in the soft sand was easy as compared with digging the mill race while residents of Wabaunsee county. During the war Charley Rath was a freighter and hay contractor at Port Dodge and if Rumor is to be credited his good luck dated from his digging holes in the sand on the banks of the Walnut. The boys had got in on the grounrl floor. In the early history of Kansas people adapted themselves to sur- rounding circumstances. The story goes that three families lived together in a house ten feet square, notwithstanding the generally accepted statement that no house is big enough to hold two women one and the same time. And it is alleged that in this instance that harmony prevailed until one of the families concluded to take in boarders. Then there was music in the air EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. GEO. L. HORTON, Harveyville. MR. AND MRS. M. P. EARLY, Harvey ville. MR. M. JESTER, Eskridge. MR. JOHN N. BARLOW, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. E.-N. MANN, Alma. MR. HARRY NEWMAN, Alma. MR. AUGUST IBEUTEL, Alma. MR. C. M. ROSE, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. CAPT. E. C. D. LINES (dec'd), Wabaunsee. MR. G. S. BURT, Wabaunsee. MR. LOUIS UNDORF, Alma. MR. W. S. WHITLOCK, Kaw Township. County Surveyor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. L. J. WOODARD (former Probate Judge) and Wife, Alta Vista. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM DIEBALL, West Branch. MR. GEORGE BERROTH (dec'd) and Wife, Wabaunsee Township. MR. AND MRS. KETTERMANN, Near Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ABE WELFELT, Tecuraseh, I. T. MR. CHET DAVIS, Alma. MR. S. G. CANTRILL, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ISAIAH HARRIS (dec'd), Harveyville. MRS. ISAIAH HARRIS. Harveyville. M. E. CHURCH, Harveyville. CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. REV. D. B. SCOTT. DR. ED. F. MOORE, Eskridge. ORCHARD ON THE FREEMAN FARM, near Bradford. E. Sturdy, Manager. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. HERMAN MESEKE (deceased), Templin. MR. H, G. LICHT, Topeka. Former county clerk. RESIDENCE OF J. J. MITCHELL, E5KRIDGE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. MARTIN MUCKENTHALER, Newbury. MR. CHAS. MUCKENTHALER, Paxico. HOTEL PAXICO. EUILY HISTORY OF W'A HA UNSEE COUNTY. K A ? . ■ ": : ---;k:- ' MR. WM-. PROTHROW, WILMINGTON. MR. FRANK HODGSON, HAKVEYVILLE. MRS. E. MEYER S STORE. ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 101 l\ Pawnee Raid. In the Spring of 1359 the Dragoon Creek settlement was considera- bly alarmed on account of a raid from a band of seven Pawnee Indians. The Indians were not looking for scalps particularly, though had the opportunity presented the probability is it would by no means have been neglected. The Pawnees were deadly enemies of the Pottawatomies and had come into the country to steal some of their ponies. The Indians were afoot, but as they came by Sam Devaney's one morning before day- light they couldn't resist the temptation to take his old blind horse picketed near his log cabin on the slope just east of where Mr. Eli Walton now lives. There was also a two-year-old colt that the Indians couldn't catch, but the colt would follow, thus depriving Sam of his last horse. A man named McCray lived on the Henry Easter place then and that night his wife was sick. To this fact was due the timely discov- ery of the raiding Indians. While on his way to Sam Devaney's for medi- cine he heard the Indians coming. Hiding till the Pawnees passed, McCray, recognizing the horses hurried to Devaney's and gave the alarm. The sun was hardly up before Devaney had got together three of his neighbors, Sam Harvey. Ira Hodgson and William Beebe, who with himself were soon hot on the trail. Devaney's party were well mounted— on four of the five only remaining horses in the neighbor- hood—there being but seven horses, all told, in the settlement. The ground being soft from resent rains the pursuing party had no difficulty in keeping track of the thieving Pawnees. The trail was followed up the creek and over the ridge to the John Copp place— now the Allendorph ranch. From a clump of bushes near the head of a steep, stony, ravine, a tiny column of smoke ascended. Feeling assured that a scrap was com- ing the pursuing party made a hasty examination of their arms— and such arms— for three men and a boy to give battle to seven Indian 102 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. warriors. There were just two guns and three single-barreled pistols- But there was no backing out. The boys were after Devaney's stolen horses and didn't propose to return without them. Making for the mouth of the ravine the pursuing party were confronted by the Indians, who had evidently been on the lookout for just such a contin- gency. As the Indians emerged from the ravine they began shooting, their first shot being aimed at Ira Hodgson, the boy of the party, Ira being a lad of but 13 years of age. Ira returned the Indian's fire and his shot probably saved Devaney's life, as the Indian dodged as he fired. Though but thirty yards distant every shot fired by the Indians went wild. But the Indians were not so fortunate. As they ran, Sam Devaney shot one big Indian through the lungs and he fell to the ground with a thud. The boys said when the ball struck the Indian's buffalo robe it sounded like a drum. Supposing the Indian who fell had been killed, the boys gave the other Pawnees a hot chase for three miles, shooting whenever the opportunity offered, but owing to rough ground and brush six of the Indians got away. Returning to the Indians' camp Devaney and his party found the blind horse picketed out in a near-by ravine and the colt close at hand. They then examined the Indian and though the ball had passed entire- ly through his breast there was a possibility that with good care he might live. Arrangements were made with John Copp to haul the In- dian down to his place and take care of him till he could send word to the Kaws, it never for a moment being suspected that the wounded Indian was a Pawnee. John Copp made the Indian a comfortable bed down by the hay stacks and sent word to the Kaws to come and take charge of the wounded Indian. In a few days the Kaws came over — about thirty of them, but John was away. Then for the first time it was learned that the wounded Indian was a Pawnee. The way the Indians took care of him left no doubt on that point— they scalped him alive and left him in his bed by the haystacks. But John wouldn't have it that way. He followed the Kaws and told them they must return and kill the Indian they had scalped and purposely left to die a lingering death. But the Kaws were in an accommodating mood and they not only killed the Indian but proceeded to perform the last sad rites after their own peculiar fashion in the case of a dead Pawnee— knowing full well a band of Pawnees would gladly return the compliment should one of their number fall into their hands under similar circumstances. After cutting the Pawnee's throat the Kaws tied one end of a lar- iat about his neck and the other to the tail of the wildest pony in the EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 103 herd. Then the work of preparing the body for burial commenced. With spear points and sharp sticks thrust into his flanks and rear that pony was soon made to know the part he was expected to play in the program and the demoniac yells from thirty Indian throats caused the pony to put such energy into his movements that when that part of the ceremony was over there were pieces of Pawnee scattered all about the stony hills of Mill Creek, but mighty little flesh left on the bones for the coyotes. The Indians then cut off the head of the dead Pawnee and used it for a foot-ball, after which they dumped the now denuded skeleton into a ravine and covering it over with stones the Kaws with grunts of satisfaction declared the funeral ceremonies ended and at once took up their march for their' reservation. The six remaining Pawnees had no idea of returning to their vil- lages without a dozen or more ponies belonging to their more affluent neighbors, the Pottawatomies. There was a big village down on the east side of Kuenzli Creek, on what is now the Frank Rickershauser farm, and the hills and ravines were dotted with ponies. The Paw- nees succeeded in cutting out a few fine ones, but the Pottawatomies were on the alert and after a running tight of ten miles or more six Pawnee scalps furnished the best proof that the Pottawatomies were amply able to look after their herds. But there was mourning in the Pawnee villages for the seven braves who never returned. Note. — Mr. John Copp, near whose place the above tragic scene was enacted, was an eye witnes to the cruel manner in which the Kaws disposed of their Pawnee victim. What had been intended as an act of kindness on his part proved a sad disappointment to himself and a terrible closing act in the life of the raiding Pawnee. After the open- ing of the Pottawatomie lands to settlement Mr. Copp located just north of the Paxico mill. He served several terms as County Commis- sioner. Mr. Samuel Harvey moved to Colorado in 1876, where he was elected County Clerk of Gunnison County. Mr. Ira Hodgson, the boy of the pursuing party, now lives at Frisco, Ok. Devaney returned to Missouri and Beebe's whereabouts are unknown. 104 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COOHTY, KAS. Bill Cole's Last Drive, "Larned" to the Old settler and plainsman is a place of historic in- terest. Of the many thrilling scenes enacted in the vicinity of what was for years the last outpost on the old Santa Fe trail, none was more horrifying than Bill Cole's last drive with the Smith boys. They were carrying the overland mail from Independence, Mo., to Santa Fe, New Mexico, making the trip of 740 miles one way every fif- teen days. Three men, seven mules and a Concord coach or mail wagon, completed the outfit. There were six mules in harness and one for the outrider. The captain in command at Fort Larned wanted Smith (the con- ductor) to take an escort, but having made many trips without one and knowing that not so good time could be made with an escort, Smith said he thought there was no danger and started on the long, lonesome drive toward Santa Fe. But five miles west of the post Conductor Smith had reason to come to a different conclusion if not to regret his refusal of an escort. When least thinking of danger the mail wagon was overtaken by ten or twelve Kiowas in war paint whose actions told too plainly their blood-thirsty intentions. Mike Smith was the outrider and his brother was holding the lines. Bill Cole was taking a nap inside on the corn sacks when he was aroused by the shot that killed young Smith, who fell forward on the foot-board. An agonizing cry from Mike caused Bill Cole to turn his head that way when a horrible sight met his gaze — the Indians were filling the conductor's body with arrows. Mike with one hand was holding in check his frightened mule and with the other on the shaft of an ar. row driven into his body, exclaimed: "Oh, God! Isn't this a hard way to die?" Reeling in his saddle, Mike fell to the ground, wounded to the death and in terrible agony. Bill Cole, after raising young Smith's body into the mail wagon, grabbed a gun and shot an Indian who was trying to stop the team by grasping the leader by the bridle-bits. The Indian fell from his pony and during the povv-wow that was held over his body Cole jumped from EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. V! EJ- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 105 the wagon and hid in the grass. The team, by this time, had become thoroughly frightened and was running at full speed across the trackless plain. Their pow-wow at an end the Indians followed expecting to find Cole and in him an easy victim. But Cole was half a mile away and it being about dusk he crawled through the tall grass to Coon Creek and worked his way back to Larned, where he related his adventures. A detail of soldiers was sent out, the mail secured and the bodies of the Smith brothers brought in for burial. At Larned the boys had thoughtlessly covered their pistols with the sacks of corn, thus placing themselves at the mercy of the Indians. A school house nearly midway between Larned and Garfield stands near the spot where the Smith brothers met their death. The chil- dren whose little legs dangle from the patent seats can hardly realize that within a stone's throw of their play-ground, so thrilling a tragedy was enacted but little more than a score of years ago. That was Bill Cole's last drive with the overland mail. Twenty years afierward he made another trip to Santa Fe, but this time in a Pullman car and without fear of losing his scalp on the way. Note.— The Smith boys were killed in the Fall of 1859. While part of the family were running the farm on the Dragoon my father had charge of the mail station at the crossing of Elm Creek on the Santa Fe trail. The Smith boys and Bill Cole were old employes of the Overland Mail company and were favorites with all. Their lives were one continued series of adventures and hair-breadth escapes. Al- though their vocation was dangerous in the extreme, the pay was good, and hundreds of young plainsmen were more than anxious to take their places as employes of the mail company. W 1 106 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. ftVenged. On the morning of June 2d, 1859, an Indian bedecked in paint and feathers and mounted on a fiery steed rode down the main street of Council Grove. About the Indian's shoulders was a scarlet red blanket and on it was the imprint of a human hand white as the driven snow. Something about the appearance of the Indian told the settlers of impending danger. They wondered, but they had not long to wait. In less than a half hour's time a hundred warriors galloped into town and halted in front of Hays' store. Hays was the leading merchant and the oldest resident, having lo- cated at Council Grove in 1847. The Indians looked upon Seth Hays as a chief among the whites and to him they soon disclosed the cause of their strange actions. A short time before two young men of the Kaw tribe had stolen two horses from a Mexican train passing through on the Santa Fe trail. The Mexicans soon located their stolen property and communicating this knowledge to Hays they left the matter in his hands. Hays had a big trade with the Indians but more profitable custom- ers in the Mexican freighters and in adjusting the difficulty with the Indians it is probable that he was influenced by his trade relations with the freighters fully as much as by a desire to do the Indians justice. At any rate he demanded that the Indians should not only return the stolen horses but that the Kaws should give up for punishment the young men who had taken the horses. To this the Indians objected. They were willing to return the horses, but they thought that Hays was taking an undue interest in behalf of the Mexicans in insisting that the young men be given up, and the chief was in no wise backward in giving Hays the benefit of his opinion. The Indian spokesman becoming somewhat personal in his re- marks' Hays called for his pistols and, with the idea of bluffing the Indians, fired a few shots — into the air. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 107 Whatever his intentions or ideas as to the effect of the shooting, it had a startling sequel. The Indians galloped down the street firing at everything in sight. The result was the shooting of two men- Charley G-ilkey, proprietor of the Gilkey House, and a young man hy the name of Parks. The wounds were not fatal in either case, hut the affair immediately assumed a different phase. The Indian camp soon disappeared from the neighboring hill, and the whole Kaw tribe, consisting of -100 warriors, prepared for fight. The whites immediately raised 40 men and sent runners in all direc- tions to apprise the settlers of their danger. The settlers responded to the call and soon the old Mission build- ing was filled with the women and children of the surrounding country, and the men marched, 150 strong, to reinforce the company already organized. Now it was the young men who did the shooting who were de- manded for punishment. One of these was the son of Fool Chief, one of the most influential men of the Kaw tribe, and nothing but threat- ened annihilation would induce the Indians to give him up. But T. S. Huffaker, the interpreter, and for years a teacher in the Mission school, told them the inevitable result of their refusal to ac- cede to the demands of the whites. Ten thousand dollars and forty ponies were offered by the Indians to appease the whites and refused. Huffaker told the Indians that already troops from Fort Riley' were on the way and it would be useless for the Indians to hold out against them. The Indians, seeing the ranks of the whites being continually increased by new arrivals, and knowing that the soldiers would soon put in an appearance, reluctantly yielded to the demands to surrender the young men who shot Gilkey and Parks. Soon after being surrendered the young men were hung — without judge or jury— on the north side of Main Street, between the Neosho River and the present site of the court house. But there is a sequel to this story. Indian justice demands an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. The spark of life had gone out of two Kaw braves, and the lives of two white men must pay the penalty. The following Summer, Price Perrill, a surveyor living near Bur- lingame, was surveying lands on Running Turkey Creek, in what is now McPherson County. His dead body was found one day, and the old settlers would often fpoint out Bill Johnson, a pock-marked Kaw Indian, as the slayer of the young surveyor. Who the other victim was is not even a matter of conjecture, but according to the Indian's idea of justice, when the life of Price Per- rill went out the death of Fool Chief's son was avenged. 108 EAELY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. "Coming events cast their shadows before." The coming event in this case was an old-time spelling school, and the shadows — well, there was a good deal of substance in the shadows of the scores of boys who had gathered at the old school house in Dis- trict 28 one Saturday evening about 17 years ago. Wallace Allen was teaching the school, and, though his pants were habitually stuffed in his boot-legs, no teacher had won the respect of patrons and pupils in a greater degree than had Wallace. The house was crowded, and yet there was a crowd on the outside that remained there either from inclination or necessity — perhaps on account of the lack of room on the inside of the little frame school house under the hill. The exercises had hardly begun — on the inside, when exercises of quite a different nature appeared — to those within — to be transpiring on the outside. There was loud talking at first, and then hard blows followed. There was no announcement of dismissal by the teacher, but the short order in which the house was vacated would have warranted such a supposition. That something unusual was going on was apparent to the writer and, as we afterwards learned, not altogether unlooked for by the patrons of the district. But all surmises were soon set at rest by the appearance, at the door, of the bleeding form of a man borne between two of his neighbors. Water was called for and offered but the drooping head showed that the loss of blood had been greater than nature could withstand. The limp form was lifted inside and search was made for the wounds from which the blood was flowing profusely. A small knife-hole was found in the neck just behind the jaw, but from this the blood had ceased to flow. But a crimson stream running from the left sleeve of the man's blouse told of a more dangerous wound that was soon found. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. \ EARLY HISTOKY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 109 It was a horrid, gaping wound. The great muscle of the forearm — the biceps brachialis — had been cut square across and completely severed in twain. On the floor was a pool of blood that was being constantly augmented by the crimson streams flowing from the wound. The surroundings looked more like a slaughter-house than a school- room. The wife of the unfortunate man, in her white dress all be- spattered with blood, presented a distressing sight. But where is that crowd that rushed out of the school house? In two minutes the place was almost deserted. Save the almost hysteri- cal wailings of the grief -stricken wife all was silent, as the few who re- mained bent over the prostrate form endeavoring to stay the life blood that was fast ebbing away. ' The teacher remained at his post. Old Mr. Blankenship, too, had no thought of deserting his fellow man in the time of dire need. Then there was "Doc" Johnson and Owens. These, with the writer, were all that were left to minister to the wants of the sufferer. With a silken thread and a harness needle the writer of these lines took nine stitches in the wounded man's arm. By this means the flow of blood was stayed, and then for a doctor. At Dover was the nearest, and to Dover we volunteered to go. We had heard of Dover but had never been there. It was down Mission Creek, 14 miles away in a northeast direction, and that was all we knew about it. The night was dark and it was 2 o'clock in the morning before we found the doctor. He couldn't go till morning, he said, but with morning Owens came, fearing we had missed the way. After weeks of care the patient recovered— all but the wounded arm, and if you ask Bob McMasters the cause of his misfortnne he will refer back to that little unpleasantness at the little frame school house iu District 28, twenty-five years ago. Erey was convicted of assault with intent to kill, but before sen- tence was pronounced he took French leave of the sheriff. His wife soon followed and a few years ago he was in Southern Kansas — one of that class of patriots who leave their country for their country's good. 110 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Our First Hrome in Kansas. The above cut is a fair representation— drawn from memory — of our first home in Kansas— the log house built by a Mr. Gilbert, of Pennsylvania, on the southeast quarter of section 24, township 14, range 12, in the Summer of 1855 — forty-five years ago. In 1856 Mr. M. C. Wysong, Mr. Robideau and my father, Mr. James L. Thomson, made their home here while improving their claims, the one taken by my fathar adjoining the Gilbert claim on the south— the land now owned by Mr. Shaw, the Gilbert claim now known as the J. M. Lee farm. On our arrival on the Dragoon in March, 1857, we found a Mr. Craft, of Ohio, in possession of the Shaw claim and his son with his family living in the Gilbert cabin. On the payment of fifty dollars— for their furniture— Mr. Craft released all claim to the two quarter sections and moved away. The log cabin was afterwards sold to Mr. John Cousins and moved to his claim near Eskridge. Being raised a few logs higher it was used by his family as a residence until the stone house in which he now lives was built. EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Ill On the side of the old log house are to be seen two wolf skins — stretched out on the side of the house to dry. They were not put there to fill out the picture, but because a pic- ture of the old house would be incomplete without them. In 1857 Tip died. Tip was an ox, and with his flesh we replenished the family larder. In what was left of the carcass homeopathic doses of strychnine were deposited, and when the wolves had partaken of lunch they would give up their ghosts, and their hides would be taken as a slight remuneration for the hideous concerts they would give un- bidden to ungrateful auditors. Each morning, for a week or more, we boys would go out and pros- pect for dead wolves. One morning we— Henry and I — found a wolf that wasn't as dead as he might be. He could wabble along but his gait was rather unsteady — about like that of a man three sheets in the wind — one who had indulged in too much tanglefoot. The wolf 's feet seemed tangled a good deal. He had had a heavy dose of strychnine but was probably recovering from the effects of the poison. Wolf hides were worth something those days, and we were more afraid of the wolf getting away with his hide than we were of his wolfship. But the wolf was getting desperate and he was making strenuous efforts to get out of our presence. He would run a while and then take an involuntary rest — when the spasms would come on. But the spasms were becoming shorter and less frequent and the wolf was get- ting farther away from his late banqueting place. As the prospects of the wolf's final escape increased, visions of prospective gain from the sale of his hide diminished in a correspond- ing ratio. Just then a bright idea seized my brother and at the same time he seized the wolf by the tail. Then, if ever, was a time for action. He attempted to resent the insult offered in the attack on his rear, but on account r. 1 ? the overdose 112 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. of strychnine his wolf ship hadn't full control of his body, and we were not an idle spectator to the scene being enacted out on the prairie. We were armed with a stick as much as a half inch in diameter at the larger end. It wasn't a very big club, but large enough to stun the wolf, and an hour later his hide was tacked to the outside wall as you see it. Wolf hunting for their hides was one of the infant industries of the early days. Dollars were scarce and a few wolf hides brought that which was so difficult to obtain. The poisoning of wolves for their hides was not an "industry" con- fined exclusively to the buffalo country. Mr. Samuel Cripps, living on Soldier Creek, killed each year from 60 to 75 wolves for several years, and among these were several large specimens of the gray wolf of the plains. Many others were engaged in the business on a smaller scale, not because they had a liking for the calling but for the better reason that from the proceeds from the sale of the pelts they were enabled to keep the more ravenous wolf— hunger — from the door. EARLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 113 The Old Stone Fort Shown in the picture was built on the farm of August Wolgast in 1864, in anticipation of a raid from the Kaw Reservation. The school district clerk in his report to the .county superintendent that year said: "Owing to the Indian excitement we did not build our school house this year. " Just think of it! Thirty-seven years ago the people were prevented from carrying out their intention of building a school house by the probability of an Indian raid. JMT. p. The Kaw Reservation was but a few miles distant and while they did not go on the warpath their restlessness was the cause of much anxiety on the part of the whites. Words of warning had been sent out from the Grove and the com- mandant at Fort Riley had been called on for troops. One day a company of cavalry on their way to Council Grove galloped by Templin at breakneck speed on the way to the prospective scene of Indian hostilities. Those who have had any experience in Indian warfare need not be told of the excitement such rumors and incidents are calculated to produce. 1864 was a hard year on the border. The Kiowas and Cheyennes 114 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. were on the warpath and the trihes located on what was the border at that time were chafing- under what they considered wrongs suffered at the hands of the whites. The settlers around Templin might well he alarmed. But they would prepare for emergencies and hence the building of the stone fort shown in the illustration. The site for the fort was a good one. It was about equal distances from the homes of Wolgast, Arndt and Lehmberg and Fetting's was not far away. Here the families slept at night and to this stone fort they would rally in case of an attack from the Indians. But the Indians were "too discreet to make an attack. Turbulent spirits like Bill Johnson were anxious to involve the tribe in a war with the whites but the peace sentiment prevailed and the walls of the stone fort never felt the force of Indian bullets. But many a day after the excitement had passed away, the children about Templin would gather together and have a good time with their dolls and other playthings keeping house in the old stone fort. ndness Fferriernbered If our readers will take a look at the log house they will not be rewarded by the sight of two Indians — an old man and his young squaw wife. The Indians are not in the picture but had you been in the neighborhood in April, 1857, you might have seen what caused the goose flesh to raise up and little chills to chase up and down our spinal column. Father, having left us four boys to look after the claim, had returned to Independence for mother. On that day my brothers, hav- ing installed the writer as cook, were grubbing a piece of land two hundred yards east of Herb Shaw's present residence in Plumb town- ship. The log house was lotated about two hundred yards east of and a little north of the house on the J. M. Lee farm. Hearing a noise outside, we looked out and beheld the old Indian and his squaw hobbling their ponies, preparing to make a somewhat extended visit. We would have felt better, perhaps, had our brothers been within call, but as it was we had nothing to do but make the best of the sit- uation. We had seen 14 birthdays and during that time had read a EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 115 good deal about the Indians, and among other things we had read that they, like other human beings, could appreciate a kind act. Then it occurred toVis that the proper thing to do would be to set before our visitors something to eat. This we did, and we were not long in seeing that our hospitable reception had struck the right chord, and if grunts of satisfaction from the old man and smiles of appreciation from his young squaw were indications that our visitors were well pleased with their reception then further evidences were unnecessary. It is needless to say that the pleasant manner in which our kind- ness was received had the effect of doing away with any fear we might have felt on first being aware of the presence of our Indian visitors. But they soon departed — over the prairies in a northeast direction — as we afterwards learned on a visit to the reservation of the half- breed Kaws near Topeka. One evening a few weeks afterwards on returning from the field, where we had been planting sod corn — with an axe — we were surprised to find awaiting us our first dish of fried venison. Our Indian visitors had returned and with them a boy who could speak English fluently. They had inquired after their former host and had left as a token of their appreciation of our kindness a quarter of venison they had killed on their way from Topeka. Queen Was nothing but a dog, and our readers may wonder what a dog has to do with the history of Kansas or of Wabaunsee county. Of these we might ask what a flock of cackling geese had to do with the history of the old Roman Empire. Yes, Queen was a dog — a Mexican dog. But she hated the sight of a Mexican and there was but one thing she hated worse, and that was an Indian. It was in 1859. We were hoeing corn in the field one day, when, looking toward the house we were surprised to see eight or ten Kaw Indians with bows strung and arrows in place marching abreast through the yard. They were looking for Queen. But Queen was lying in an old corn crib — with her back broken— the result of an arrow wound several weeks before. 116 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. One Sunday a Kaw Indian and his squaw were encamped a few rods from the house. Following the usual custom of his tribe the Indian came to the house with the purpose of begging something to eat. By means of the gesticulations usually employed the Kaw sought to make known his errand and in order to assist the writer in correctly interpreting his unintelligible language the Indian took hold of the latch of the closed kitchen door. The Indian had evidently failed to notice the presence of Queen but the dog wasn't far away. At any rate, no sooner had the Indian's hand been laid on the door latch than Queen's sharp teeth were inserted in the Indian's bare ankles, and when the dog relaxed her hold an ugly wound was laid open. We applied a handful of sugar and tied up the wound and ex- pressed our regret, in language that, probably, was not understood by the Kaw. The Indian addressed a few words to his squaw and in a short time her presence with a bow and arrow revealed the nature of his request. He was intending to settle accounts with Queen. But the squaw had brought a blunt arrow which seemed to meet his disapproval as he picked it up and limped away towards camp. But in a short time he returned — on horseback, and with a steel pointed arrow. Riding between the house and log kitchen— about four feet apart— he reached the kennel, where in a crouched position lay the form of Queen, and before she realized the Indian's intention, the pointed shaft was buried in her spine. There were but two boys of us at home and but one gun in the house and that unloaded. There were some powder and a few pewter bullets. My brother being maddened at Queen's pitiable condition rammed home one of the pewter bullets and as the Indian and his squaw, mounted on the one pony, rounded the bend of the creek he gave them a parting salute— that did no harm, fortunately for us, per- haps, as it was but a few weeks after that Gilkey and Parks were shot at the Grove for a less provocation. EARLY HISTORY Or WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 117 Marion's First SGhool. The early settlers believed in education and though they had no school houses at first they would manage in some way to provide for emergencies. Down in District 27 there was no lack of children and Marion con- sented to teach the school provided a suitable house could be secured. An old bachelor named Enoch Colton lived in a log house on sec- tion 26 and as he was away most of the time it was thought that the use of his house might be secured until the proposed stone house could be built. As the rent would help pay the living expenses Enoch readily con- sented to the arrangement. Besides the regular exercises the children were each day— at noon- time — presented with an object lesson in domestic economy — fur- nished gratis by Enoch while preparing the daily mid-day meal. Building a fire at noon added to the summer's heat made it rather uncomfortable for the children but soon another cause rendered teach- ing school in the old bachelor's hall anything but desirable. Marion and the children detected a peculiar and not very agree- able odor about the old log shanty. In a few days the peculiar smell was not only disagreeable but actually unbearable and at last the con- dition of things rendered an investigation absolutely necessary. The cause of the trouble was found and with the discovery came the general desire to exchange the bachelor's shanty for more agree- able quarters— so the teacher and pupils adjourned to a more salu- brious place. But we neglected to tell you the cause that necessitated the vaca- tion of the bachelor's quarters. His only calf had departed this life a few days before and the hide that had been stowed away in the loft had arrived at the last stage of decomposition— it was a moving sight hence the moving of the children's quarters. For further particulars call at the Eskridge Hotel and ask Marion about his first school in District 27. 118 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. In which quite a number of Wabaunsee County boys took part is found in the history of the Eleventh Kansas. In February, 1865, Col. Moonlight was assigned to the command of the District'of Colorado. During the season of storm and sleet the regiment marched from Fort Riley to Platte Bridge, 130 miles beyond Fort Laramie, in the very heart of the Sioux country. The Indians were on the warpath and in order to keep open tele- graphic communication and to insure the transmission of the mails the presence of a military force was necessary. Headquarters were established at Platte Bridge and this point was made the base of operations. Here Major Anderson was stationed with a garrison of about 110 men, non-commissioned officers and the regimental band included. About eighty of this number had carbines, but with barely twenty rounds of ammunition to the man. Half of the remaining thirty had revolvers while the others were without any arms whatever. In the latter part of July the Indians were more than usually de- monstrative and among other depredations had cut the telegraph wires on both sides of the station. Captain Greer and Lieutenant Walker were sent out with parties in different directions to chastise the Indians and repair the lines. Capt. Greer.'s squad gave the Indians a sound drubbing but the party under Lieut. Walker was not so fortunate. Finding the Indians con- fronting him in overwhelming numbers he fell back to the station with the loss of one man killed and several wounded. On July 22nd, the fort was practically invested by the hostile Sioux who seemed determined to burn the station. To render the sit- uation more critical Sergeant Custard, of Co. H, with twenty-four men detailed to guard a supply train appeared in sight about six miles from the Bridge unconscious of the presence of the hostile Sioux. The howitzer was fired to warn the approaching troops of their danger and in hopes of saving the handful of men from annihilation at EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 119 the hands of the hostiles, Lieut. Collins with twenty-five picked men of the garrison was sent to their assistance. Hardly had Lieut. Collins' party reached the first range of hills half a mile distant from the post when 2, 000 hideously painted warriors sprang from their hiding-places and charged down on the little hand of blue-coats. The soldiers found it impossible to advance. To re- treat was the only alternative. After emptying their carbines the little band fought their way back to the bridge as best they could. Every available man was sent to the relief of the hard pressed soldiers, and with the loss of sixteen killed and wounded the remainder suc- ceeded, as by a miracle, in reaching the post in safety. Among the five killed was Lieut. Collins, whose horse, becoming crazed by the demoniac yells and horrid appearance of the hostile Sioux became un- manageable and carried his unwilling rider into the jaws of death. When found his body was literally hacked and shot to pieces and so mutilated as to be hardly recognized by his most intimate surviving comrades. Another of the killed was Sebastian Nehring. Misunderstanding an order Sebastian had got separated from his comrades and was cap- tured unharmed and when found his body showed every indication of bis having been reserved for torture at the hands of his barbarous captors. In his body .were seventy-six arrows and his arms and legs dismembered, his heart cut out, scalped, his nose and ears cut off and otherwise horribly mutilated. Among the wounded was Henry Grimm, who was shot through the leg with an arrow and in his spine a barbed arrow was deeply buried. The surgeon considering the wounded soldier beyond all hope of recovery by reason of his wounds and the loss of blood, refused to remove the steel barb that still protruded from the wound in the spine. Rut Mr. Grimm pleaded earnestly to have the barb removed and Lieut, Hubbard ordered that the soldier's request be complied with. To the surprise of all Mr. Grimm recovered and though still feeling the effect of old wounds one would never suspect that Henry Grimm, of Yolland, one of our wealthiest German farmers and the one who lay wounded nigh unto death at Platte Bridge 35 years ago are one and the same. Among those who narrowly escaped death at Platte Bridge was Sergeant Adolph Hankammer, of Alma. Adolph was wounded by a spear thrust in the back and another spear cut in the leg and had his horse shot just as the hotly pressed soldiers reached the bridge. Then the horse fell, pinning Adolph to the bridge. But the soldiers had sallied out from the fort and driving the Indians back Adolph's life was saved. nenry Thomson, member of Co. I, and a brother of the writer was 120 EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. one of the detail sent out under Lieut. Collins. In speaking of the fight he said the soldiers were in a tight place — the Indians and troops were a confused mass of struggling humanity. The horses of the cav- alry were frenzied with excitement and the demoniac yells of the red- skins and their superiority in point of numbers, made the delivery from the jaws of death seem a miracle. Uuring the hottest of the fight the soldiers noticed that all at once the Indians ceased firing. It was afterwards learned that the order was given by the head chiefs of the war party. The order was heard by some friendly Snake Indians who were encamped just outside of the stockade. They thoroughly understood the Sioux language and heard the stentorian voice of the Indian chiefs as they ordered the warriors to cease firing, as they were killing more of their own men than of the whites. Mr. S. H. Eairfield was one of the party sent out to bury the dead and from his description of the mutilated bodies left on the field, fighting Indians cannot be regarded as a desirable occupation. The party of twenty-four men Lieut. Collins was sent out to re- lieve were all massacred except three who swam the river and found safety in the stockade. Of the twenty-four soldiers, seventeen were found in a row. pinned to the ground. The others were tied to the wheels of the wagon where they were burned. All were scalped and otherwise mutilated. And this was the kind of service seen by the soldiers enlisted from Wabaunsee County. Long will they remember the fight at Platte Bridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. K S3 > 55 O g w S3 p W & • n r K ^*V,\v EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ^ EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EAST SIDE MAIN (MISSOURI) STREET, Alma. MR. SAM HARRIS AND FAMILY, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. BUFFALO IN THE '60s. MR. WALDO G. BURROUGHS AND FAMILY, Bradford. EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 121 MftTT TftOMSON'SflrDDFfcSS Delivered at the Old Settlers' Meeting at Harveyville, October 10, 1895— Old Recollections, Etc. Ladies and Gentlemen: — In early days when good old Mother Dow, who lived over at Wilmington, had revolved in her mind various expedients by which the wolf was to be kept from the door, she put out a sign on which was painted: "Pies, cakes, bread, etc." The sign served its purpose and many a weary plainsman went from her door happy in the possession of the toothsome morsels pur- chased from the owner of the little sign-board by the wayside. But the supply was not always up to the demand. The discrep- ancy between the hungry followers of the numerous caravans that passed over the old Santa Fe trail and the little bake oven made to do service in the unexpected emergency was too great.. As a result many were turned away disappointed. One day a teamster called at the beck of the sign and asked for a pie. But the last pie had been sold a few minutes before. Then he would take a cake for a change. But the supply of cakes, too, had been overdrawn. A loaf of bread would answer, but the bread, too, was gone. "Then," said the hungry plainsman, "I guess I'll take a little so-forth." But Mother Dow was equal to the emergency— she brought to the door a huge chunk of cornbread. A man crossing the plains can't be insulted by an offer of corn- bread and the teamster gladly paid a silver quarter for what he would probably have called for in the first place had he thought for a moment it could have been obtained. While this paper has for its head "Early Recollections, Etc.," it may as well be understood that should I run out of my small stock of recollections I will be compelled to fill in by giving you the benefit of a little "so-forth." I can only hope that it will prove as satisfactory to you as did that 122 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. loaf of cornbread to the hungry teamster making a long drive before breakfast. Long before Kansas had acquired the name of the Cyclone State our home in Tennessee was laid low by one of the most devastating tornadoes that ever visited any country. The town of Fayetteville was almost wiped out of existence, and among the casualties were five people killed and more than fifty wounded, among the latter two of our own family. The tornado began the work that brought financial disaster, and like thousands of others we looked towards Kansas for a new home. Next Spring will be just forty years since my father claimed as a pre- emption right the northeast quarter of section 25, township 14, range 12 — the land now owned by Mr. Herb Shaw. During that Summer— 1856— Mr. Robideaux, Mr. Wysong and my father kept bachelor's hall in a house on the southeast quarter of sec- tion 24, built by a Mr. Gilbert, of Pennsylvania, in 1855. My father's family followed in the Spring of 1857, finding his claim jumped by a Mr. Craft, his son having comfortably^located with his family on the Gilbert claim. Mr. Craft and his father were carpenters and seeing but little prospect of employment at their trade, were, by the payment of a small sum, induced to release their right to the two quarter sections. Neighbors were few and the settlements for years were confined almost exclusively to timber claims and the bottom lands. All were absorbed in the duties of home making. Lands were broken, fences built and crops planted. The season was propitious and all went well till the influence of the malarious climate laid a heavy hand on all. Not a home was spared. In many instances whole families were stricken down — all at one and the same time with the ague — not one being well enough to get for another a drink of water. Deprived of medical attendance — no physician being near — and possibly lacking proper care, it isn't a matter of surprise that that grim monster, Death, entered the portals of the pioneer home and took therefrom the mother, whose fondest hope was to see her child- ren located mid pleasant surroundings, or the sister just budding into womanhood, or the young man on whom an aged father or mother was dependent. A mother in Western Kansas being asked why she chose to re- main in a country that seemed so uninviting, replied: "Stranger, do you see that little mound yonder? That is the dearest spot on earth to me." Beneath that bit of clay, in Death's cold embrace, lay the little one the mother would have given her own life to save. The spirit had flown, but nature had implanted within that mother's EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 123 breast a longing to be near the spot. The place is hallowed and no other place on earth could that grief-stricken mother regard as her home. As through trouble Kansas found her place among the Stars, so through tribulation the Kansas pioneer founded a home. Of necessi- ties he had but few and of luxuries none. But with years of expe- rience there came about a change. Toil brought contentment, and taking a philosophical view of the situation he no longer sighed for the fleshpots of the land of his fathers. Like Cortez, he burned his ships behind him. His thoughts of the old homestead were silenced and he took good care of the present that the future might bring enjoyment and independence, and his children to-day are enjoying the fruits of his self-denial. But you want to know something of the early recollections of one who knew Kansas in the swaddling clothes of infancy. Among these recollections not the least is the fact that Kansas as a place to wear out one's old clothes had no superior on earth. In the early days squirrel-skin caps were fashionable and millinery bills never disturbed either the dreams or the waking hours of the head of the family. No branch of aristocracy— not even of the cod-fish variety— ever found its way into the pioneer settlements scattered along the banks of the Dragoon. The motive power with the early settlers was a yoke of oxen or a team of horses, the latter a rarity seldom met with. Mr. Jehu Hodg- son was the first owner of a team that required a set of harness to hitch them up, and because of his being the better equipped for catch- ing a thief was selected sheriff of Richardson County. We have a distinct recollection that bee-gum hats were seldom tol- erated 'and only then upon positive proof that the owner had no other —its battered appearance usually indicated that the wardrobe was getting low. Dr. Cawkins wore one as a badge of his profession. Our opinion is that an attempt to drive through the country in a top- buggy would have subjected the driver to mob violence, but we never knew anybody so foolhardy as to try the experiment, and we feel assured that a dude on a bicycle would have been killed on the spot. Among other recollections of pioneer days is the fact that in the years 1857-58, the pumpkin crop was good and I might say in addition that had stewed pumpkin been eliminated from the bill of fare the staff of life would have been lonesome indeed. Squashes were also much in demand and the statement that they were highly appreciated would be superfluous. Fortunately for the early settlers the conditions were favorable for rabbits and prairie chickens— that filled the place on the bill of fare set apart for luxuries. 124 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. In those days the good housewives along the Dragoon were not worrying about the lack of sugar to prevent the big crops of peaches from going to waste, but not a few looked forward with pleasure to the good time coming when wild onions would be ripe and prairie peas would be big enough for stewing purposes. The story goes that a man, was deprived of the privilege of becom- ing the owner of a fifteen hundred acre farm that was offered for a pair of boots. But he was compelled to decline the offer of a lifetime, because— he didn't have the boots. For a like reason thousands of dollars were lost by the early settlers of Kansas— because they didn't have the cattle to eat the rich grasses that every year went to waste. The inclination of some people to make deprecatory remarks should the old reliable M., A. & B. slip a cog by reason of a washout might be checked by the. .information that old settlers grumbled less who de- pended on chance to get their mail from Burlingame semi-occasion ally or of tener, as the case might be. Country stores were few and patronized but little— they did a cash business, and of all the commodities in the country cash was the hardest to get hold of. But in wolf hides was found an equivalent and wolf hunting for their pelts was one of the infant industries of the early days. The poisoning of wolves for their hides was not an industry con- fined exclusively to the buffalo country. Mr. Samuel Cripps, who lived on Soldier Creek killed each year for several years, from sixty to seventy-five wolves, and among these were several large specimens of the gray wolf of the plains., Many others were engaged in the business on a smaller scale— not because they had a liking for the calling, but for the better reason that from the proceeds from the sale of the pelts they were enabled to keep the more ravenous wolf— hunger — from the door. About thirty-seven years ago I had the pleasure of being present at a. meeting of the board of directors or the mayor and city council and possibly some of the heaviest stockholders of the City of Wilming- ton. The prospects of the town were set forth. in glowing terms and a grand future predicted. The location of the city at the. junction of the two greatest highways on the American continent was considered in itself sufficient to insure the building at an early day of long rows of business blocks, capital for investment would flow in like water through a mill-race, the then financiers would swim in luxury, live in splendor and the conditions furnish to the world another proof that. it is better to be born lucky than rich. But if the founders of Wilmington suffered, disappointment, or were the victims of, circumstances, other town builders have been equally unfortunate. Indianola, on the military road north of. To- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 125 peka, that once aspired to be the Capital of Kansas, was moved bodily on wheels and to-day the owner of corner lots and the was-to-be Capi- tol square is doing some tall bragging about his hundred-bushels-to- the-acre corn crop. But Wilmington possessed advantages that Indianola never had— the houses being built of stone were not so easily hauled away, and to this circumstance we are indebted for a permanent landmark that will indicate to those that come after us a point of historical interest —that one day was the business center of Wabaunsee County. To the railroad is due the elimination of Indianola, and scores of other towns from the map of the state. The Santa Fe road blotted out of existence the old trail as electricity and the bicycle have struck heavy blows at the horse market. In 1857 my father paid to Mr. James McCoy $90 for a blind mare and the bargain was considered a good one. Horses are cheaper now, Our Jimmie came to me one day last winter and said he could buy a horse for six dollars. A few days before Santa Claus had brought him a fiddle and I suggested that he strike up a trade. He went out with that fiddle under his arm and in five minutes that horse was running up a feed bill and he has been at it ever since. We have tried to lose that horse, but it takes two to make a bar- gain. He knows too well the location of the feed lot. The Bible tells us that the ox knoweth his master's crib. A few days ago we had the good fortune to take in a few bushels of corn on subscription, and cir- cumstances would indicate that the old horse is keeping tab on our subscription list. Though he roams at will nobody will take him up, and a standing offer of immunity from punishment has proven no in- ducement to anyone to steal him. One day a man from Western Kansas made us an excellent offer that we refused. He would give us a watch for the horse. The watch had been nickel plated, but the plating was gone. One or two of the hands and the crystal were lacking and the mainspring was out of kilter, but in other respects it was a good watch. The offer was a tempting one but when we looked at some other specimens of horse flesh that he had brought from the. drouth-stricken district we con- cluded that Dobbin was deserving of better treatment than their con- dition indicated. The Chinaman's belief in the transmigration of souls may be a myth, but the bare possibility should insure kind treat- ment to the best servant man ever had — the horse. But this statement is no reflection on the ox — that brought more pioneers to Kansas, ten times over, than the horse. To the early set- tler the ox was the more valuable. He was too slow of foot to be stolen, was more hardy, required less feed, and when he had outgrown his usefulness as a draft animal his owner could eat him. 126 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. But to the early settler the ox was too valuable to eat. Herds of buffalo were not far away. In 1857 my father and brother took their first buffalo hunt, securing a full load of choice meat on the Cotton- wood, in Marion County. The following year another hunt was taken by my brother and Mr. Samuel Cripps. But perhaps a short description of one of these hunts would not be uninteresting now. I participated in my first buffalo hunt in 1860, though my father and myself had been turned back from the Cotton- wood by high water and an attack of the ague in 1858. There were five wagons and twelve mens and boys in the company. In the party were Mr. Uriah Sanner and his son, George, old Mr. Odell and his son, Stephen, William Wite, Gideon Baughman, George Bar- wick, Abe Manning, Mr. Baldwin, two older brothers and myself — I being the youngest member of the hunting party. Having ox teams the progress was slow, only about twenty miles a day being made. But even at this rate it wasn't many days before the buffalo were sighted. The old Santa Fe trail was followed till Running Turkey Creek was reached. After crossing this stream the wagons turned north, and after a few miles' travel the amateur hunters were gladdened by the sight of their first buffalo— a few miles south of where the city of McPherson now stands. Abe Manning, armed with a Sharpe's rifle, was the most success- ful hunter, and to him all looked for a supply of meat for the return trip. Abe, though a young man, was a Hercules in strength and his power of endurance was wonderful, but for some reason he failed to meet with that degree of success expected of him. He killed a few calves and brought down without trouble the old bulls that were found on the outskirts of the main herds. But the meat of the old male buffalo was tough and undesirable, so we pushed farther westward in the hope of securing better meat. But the buffalo were traveling westward at the rate of about ten miles per day and we gained but lit- tle on the herds. Passing the Little Arkansas we pushed .on to the head of Cow Creek. Here we seemed surrounded by the herds of buffalo, but we found it no easy matter for amateur hunters to kill such animals as would make desirable meat. But the weather was getting cold and rainy with an occasional snow storm, and as it became more inclement the desire to return home increased. As yet but little meat had been secured, though great herds of buffalo were constantly in sight. But relief came when least expected. Encamped on the banks of Cow Creek was a party of hunters who would for 50 cents per head furnish all the meat desired. My brothers contracted for five head and in an hour's time the EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 127 number contracted for were lying on the banks of Cow Creek ready to be skinned. The hunter, a young man of 22 years, had shot them down without moving from his place of concealment under the bank of the creek. The afternoon and night and the next morning my brothers and myself were busily engaged in skinning and stripping the carcasses of their flesh, leaving the bones to be picked by the wolves and skunks, that infested the country by hundreds. The following night we camped at Jarvis' Creek on our way home But during this time the wagons had become separated, each of the original party looking out for himself. But all arrived safely at home after an absence of three weeks without an accident to mar the ro- mance of the trip. But there were incidents not without interest and though not al- together pleasant there was but little disposition to complain. On the plain north of the crossing of Running Turkey Creek there were droves of antelope, but our hunters found the game still more difficult to kill than were the buffalo. While encamped on Cow Creek a band of Kaw Indians broke the monotony of camp life by their frequent visits. Their presence was welcome for the reason that the Kiowas and Cheyennes were at war with the whites and they being deadly enemies of the Kaws the pres- ence of the latter tribe on Cow Creek indicated to us that there was little danger from the hostile Kiowas and Cheyennes. Eight years later— in 1868— these same Cheyennes swooped down on the Kaws at Council Grove, killing one Kaw and leaving eight of their own number dead on the field. That we saw none of the hostiles on the trip was probably due to the inclement weather— the Indian realizing as does his white brother that in cold, stormy weather there is no place like home— let that home be a wigwam on the Smoky Hill or a log cabin in pioneer days on the banks of the Dragoon. It is just 35 years since that buffalo hunt. George Sanner, of Hal- ifax, and myself are the only members of the party now living in Wa- baunsee County. Mr. William Wite, I believe, still lives just over the line in Lyon County— on the old Santa Fe trail. Baughman moved to Southern Kansas and Baldwin to Douglas County. Mr. George Bar- wick is proprietor of a livery stable in Emporia. The hunt was entered upon more from necessity than for the sport that might be enjoyed. Old settlers will remember that crops were a little short in 1860. We realized the fact and each member of that hunting party sought to replenish the family larder. It is needless to say that none were disappointed. 128 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. It is not so easy now to remedy a shortage in the meat supply, and yet not so very long ago the buffalo roamed over Western Kansas. In 1876, nineteen years ago, I killed my last buffalo— near G-rinnell station on the Union Pacific railroad, within two hundred yards of the track. Among those who dined on the meat were Mr. Sam Harvey, his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. Hinton. Sam, with his brother, George, and their father, Mr. Henry Harvey, were the first settlers on the Dragoon, Mr. Sam Harvey owning the land on which we now stand. Sam was then on his way to Colorado, where, after a short residence in his new home, he was elected register of deeds. It might be well to remind those present that this admixture of facts bearing no relation one to another is the "soforth" referred to. This address was prepared under difficulties. When a person at- tempts to condense the events of forty years ago into forty minutes of time, it shouldn't be a matter of surprise should he leave out many items of interest to both the old and the new settlers in Kansas. In speaking of our buffalo hunt in 1860 reference was made to the fact that crops were short that year. But we raised two acres of Hungarian grass, and we saved the greater part of it. That those who think fit may profit by our experience I will state that the entire crop was pulled up by hand by the roots and stacked— and it wasn't a very big stack either. From 75 acres planted to corn not a bushel was gathered, but every stalk was cut, tied in bundles and ricked. Hay was hauled from the Sac and Fox Reservation, the grass being undisturbed by stock was from six to twelve inches in height on the bottom lands. The walnut crop was good and the harvesting of the crop was not neg- lected— but there were more walnuts to the bushel than were ever seen before or since. Following the drouth of '60 came the war of '61. The drouth had taxed our resources to the utmost, but the war took from the homes of Kansas the brawn and sinew of the country. The great wave of patriotism that swept over the land carried with it the flower of Kansas manhood. From almost every family along the Dragoon and neighboring settlements one or more of the sturdy sons marched forth to battle for the Union and it appals one to think that almost without exception, those who went from home so buoyant and hopeful never returned. That was a beautiful monument dedicated at Chickamauga the other day to the heroes of the Eighth Kansas, but it is a mere bauble compared to that of which they are deserving— and it holds but a trifling place in the memory of the father and brothers who for years have borne in silence that grief that cannot be assuaged. Brothers and sons shouldered their muskets and marched forth to EARLY HISTORY OF WABATJNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 129 the music of fife and drum— but it would not be for long— so everyone said — a few short months and the white wings of peace would be spread over a united people. But the days grew into weeks and the weeks into months and still the carnage went on. The news would come of a terrible battle and our neighbor's boy is among the killed, another is wounded unto death, and a third is reported missing. The survivors go marching on, but disease thins their ranks and yet other names are added to the list of those who will never return. Though a few short lines will not serve to relate the events or portray the horrors incident to war times, they tell all that cne needs to know of a period that had as well be forgotten. Memories of the dead heroes are sacred — these we will never forget. After long and weary waiting the war clouds were dispersed, and as we gather here to-day we would prove recreant to duty were we loth to accord that credit that is due for services rendered our country in time of need. And again would we be derelict in the performance of a duty should we withhold from the early pioneers of Kansas that praise that is their due for transforming the bleak plains into a land teeming with plenty. It is only by traveling from home — through the states farther east that one is enabled to realize the true value of a home in Kansas With a soil unsurpassed anywhere and a climate that will com- pare favorably with that of any country under the sun the people of Kansas are indeed fortunate. An eastern man will remind you of that terrible cyclone — two killed and a half dozen wounded — but should you inquire as to the particulars of that terrible mine disaster — in which a hundred or more lives went out in darkness — he will suddenly remember that he has business elsewhere. Ten thousand peopie— nearly as many as to-day live in Wabaunsee County — perished in the seething waters of the Johnstown flood. Just think of a Pennsylvania^ asking a Kansas man if he isn't afraid he will be carried away in a cyclone! Our cousins in the east with all their opportunities have yet to learn that Kansas as a place of residence has a thousand advantages over Indiana, New York or Pennsylvania. During the National Educational Association at Topeka in 1880, the work of some of our county schools elicited favorable comment from leading educators from the eastern states, but a doubting Thomas expressed his belief that the children whose work was pre- sented had received their education elsewhere. Even when told they had resided in Kansas all their lives the doubter seemed skeptical. This is their idea of Kansas. Our people are indebted to the East for all she possesses and for all our people know. But the fact is. the Kansas man is self made. From a condition of poverty he has ad- 130 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. vanced by his own efforts to one of independence. As compared with his father who brought to this country all his possessions in a covered wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, he is a rich man — so far as this world's goods are concerned, and yet he is poor in comparison when viewing the matter from another standpoint. Then there was but little strife and contention and fewer jealousies than now. The people lived on a common level. Nobody was afraid of going over the hill to the poor house. The reminiscences connected with the old log cabin are golden treasures — not stowed away in the garret af memory's storehouse — they occupy the place of honor in the parlor— a word un- known to the old-timer who sat on the bed while warming his toes in the oven. When the school boy couldn't tell for his life what g-1-a-s-s spelled he was asked what it was they put in the window to keep out the cold. ; 'Oh, yes, I know— dad's old britches and Bill's old hat." Some- times the old settler's cabjn had a window with real glass in it and sometimes not — but in the former case a glass would occasionally get broken — that is where Johnnie got his definition. As the old colored man said, "If you go by de hoss railroad you'll get dar to-morrow mawnin, and if yer takes de steam kyars you'll be dar mighty quick, but if you takes the telegraph you is dar now." Thirty or forty years ago ten days was quick time for a round trip to the Missouri River. Should I reach home on schedule time to- night— 12:19 — I will have traveled 144 miles and be away from home less than twenty hours— nearly half of which time will have been pleasantly spent at Harveyville. The railroads are often referred to as soulless corporations, but by contrasting our present methods of travel with the old time whoa-haw conveyance one is enabled to appreciate the change. In this connection I am reminded of two dreary, lonesome nights passed in a covered wagon 8 miles beyond 110 Creek. Returning from Kansas City one of our oxen gave out and my brother leaving me alone to take care of our load of winter's supplies came to Mr. McCoy's for help. Mr. McCoy was at that time the nabob of the Dragoon valley. He had sold his claim in Nebraska, near Omaha, and had more ready cash perhaps than all his neighbors combined. He built what was then the finest house in the country. It now stands where it was built, on the hill about 200 yards west of the school house. It may be a little out of repair just now, and some of the paint may be gone, and possibly it would not strike the casual observer as being ahead of the times, but that was the impression in 1857 — the year it was built— a time when a house with more than one room was the exception and the single log cabin the rule. Nothing was more desired by the earlv settler than neighbors. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 131 The good claims would be pointed and every courtesy extended to the man hunting for a home. But in too many instances the old settler was the victim of misplaced confidence. One day a gentlemanly appearing man— a minister, I believe— came along and was favorably impressed with the S. W. i of Sec. 19, T. 14, R. 13. His family would be out soon but for the time he would build merely for pre-emption purposes. My father contracted to build the house, on the condition that he was to retain the ownership with the privilege of moving the house- when the time came. The size of the house was 5x10 feet, with a door and window and a clapboard roof. The contract price was $10 in cur- rent funds. A young man slept one night on the claim, went next morning to the land office and pre-empted the quarter section. The house was mov.ed away and held all the corn we raised that year, and room to spare, but the new neighbors never came. It is presumed that incidents of the early days are expected. A record of the incidents as they happened for the first two years of our residence would be as monotonous as Mark Twain's first diary. He thought he would keep one. The first day's entry was: "Got up, washed and went to bed." The second day be could think of nothing but "got up, washed and went to bed," and so on for a week, when he wisely concluded to postpone the diary business till some future time For seven years our home was the western boundary of the Dragoon settlement. In our isolated situation but little was seen of the out- side world. In our lonesome condition the presence of a tramp would have been welcome and when a band of Indians broke in on the mo- notony of the situation there were no regrets. One day a band of twenty Raws stopped for their mid-day meal on their way from Council Grove to Topeka. They were afoot and had absolutely nothing to eat and we but little to give. But they were easily satisfied, and while with us taught us a lesson in economy — that we never copied. Stowed away in a box an old Indian found a couple of gallons of shelled corn from which the heart of the kernels had been eaten by the mice— but the solid part of the grain was left, and after being washed and boiled an hour or so formed the basis of a hearty meal for the whole company. On another occasion a band of fifteen took peaceable possession of the old log house, my brother and I — batching at the time— prefering, on account of the mosquitoes — to sleep outside in the covered wagon. There was a sound of revelry by night — the Indians doing the revelry business. Their proverbial stoicism had departed and they were like a lot of school boys out for a good time. This band also belonged to the Kaw tribe, but they were well mounted and had plenty of provisions. 132 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. We treated them well and and when we afterwards met some of the same Indians encamped at Cow Creek while on our buffalo hunt they exhibited unmistakable signs that our former meeting was remem- bered and our kind reception while batching in the old log cabin on the farm was appreciated. But the Kaw Indians were not at all times paragons of perfection- In 1860 some Indians stole two horses from a Mexican train and as a result of this two Indians were hung. With the Indians it is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Two white men must be killed and when Price Perrill met pock-marked Bill Johnson out on the Running Turkey the wily Indian settled half the score by taking the scalp of the lone surveyor. As I understand that some of- the old time tools and farming im- plements will receive consideration at the hands of others, I will re- frain from touching on that subject and pass on to a brief consideration of what we may expect. It would be unreasonable to suppose otherwise than that the elec- tric age is but dawning, and, however wonderful the inventions put forward within a few years past may be, more startling developments are yet in store for us. The question is: to what degree will the inventions be practical? Is it not among the probabilities that before the present generation shall have passed away their present ideas and attainments will be looked upon as crude and they be regarded as old fogies? Among the many applications of electricity is one that enables the proprietor to feed his horse by pressing a button connected by wires leading to his barn. Pressing another he is enabled to water his stock — all this without leaving his comfortable bed. Pressing another button he lights the Are in the kitchen. Other inventions are expected to follow, and in a few years one need not be surprised that some inventive genius will patent a contrivance to land in the middle of the floor the cook— should he or she. as the case may be, neglect to get out of bed at the ringing of the alarm clock. Following the demands of the times Sarah's young man will find himself thrown out of the front window when he attempts to turn down the light. He touches the guage wheel and the electric current will do the rest. Then some such electrical appliance might be used with good ef- fect at old settlers' meetings and when the audience had been suffi- ciently bored by some long-winded speaker he could be shut off by simply pressing the button— that would send the electric current to the roots of his tongue and enable him to take a hint. Ladies and Gentlemen: While I am glad to meet with you here, 1 regret that what I have to offer falls below the standard of ex- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 133 cellence guaged by my own ideas as to what ought to be presented and by what was doubtless expected of me on this occasion. I trust that the lack of time essential to the preparation of such matter as would be appropriate will be accepted- as my excuse for any shortcomings that may be apparent. However, should I have added in the least degree to the enjoyment of this happy occasion, I shall feel myself amply compensated for my coming. I close by thanking you one and all for your kind attention. Art a MexiGan Fandango. Baile Este JVoche (Dance To-Night.) This is the legend— seen in the transparency — that catches the eye of the miner, cowboy, or tourist seeking recreation in any one of the many New Mexican towns dotting the banks of the Rio Grande between Albuquerque and El Paso. But it must not be taken for granted that only the above men- tioned classes are patrons of the fandango. Army officers of high and low degree, civilians of national renown, and others, more or less dis- tinguished have, time and again, from motives widely divergent, per- haps, whiled away many a tedious hour in these much frequented resorts peculiar to our south-western border. Should you find yourself among those drawn together at one of these motley gatherings and you are a tenderfoot do not deceive your- self by the thought that the secret is your own. Possibly you expressed surprise at such minor incidents as the clanking of spurs on the heels of a vaquero, or that a cow-boy failed to discard his broad- brimmed sombrero during the progress of the dance. Perhaps you observed a disregard of the conventionalities in the scores of pairs of pants stuffed into divers pairs of boots, or in the carrying of a dozen or more braces of army revolvers in as many belts worn by participants in the evening's recreation. 134 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Stranger, or otherwise, unless your eyes are closed to the surround- ings, the entrance during the evening, of certain dark-visaged, serapa-enfolded habitues of the fandango will not escape your atten- tion. They are there at the invitation, or urgent request of the proprietor— in case of emergencies — that often come — simultaneously with shooting out the lights— a pastime frequently indulged in by the festive cowboy looking for trouble. But unmistakable indications in- variably being sure forerunners of such trouble, there need be no difficulty in avoiding the sequel by noting the surroundings. Strains of music, by no means faultless, entice the stranger who might otherwise resist the temptation to enter. Besides the much sought for diversion the prodigal son here finds the opportunity to dispose of his substance preparatory to entering upon the vocation of herding swine (or more probably goats) in that far off country where the echo of a father's counsel is unheard, and a mother's parting tears are but a dim memory. If the music is entrancing, the fact is possibly due to contrast — with the discordant but too familiar voice of the ever-present burro (donkey) or the lowing of kine, or the bleating of thousands of sheep on the range — a burning desire to escape from which might well form the basis for an excuse for accepting any change that offers a diversion from the monotonous humdrum of life on the range. If the music is attractive to the wayward and absent son in quest of adventure the presence of a score or more of the comely senoritas— fair of form and feature— offers a temptation he seldom permits him- self to resist. The dance hall once entered the inclination to indulge in the waltz or schottische as naturally follows as night succeeds day. The inclination on the part of the prodigal to indulge his heels .in their propensity to cut pigeon-wings may in a measure be due to that condition affesting the head brought about by a too free indulgence in vino, cerbesa. or aguardiente (wine, beer or. whiskey). As the influ- ence due to an over-indulgence in the beverage that cheers and inebriates increases in potency his feet get clumsy and refuse to keep time. He quarrels with the musicians and orders the proprietor to do his bidding: makes indiscreet remarks to his partner in the dance and requests the floor manager to "talk United States" (English) and finally expresses a determination to run the whole business himself. At this stage of the proceedings discretion would suggest that the boisterous "Gringo" be taken care of by his friends. His presence at future fandangos, or at the close of this one, depends on just such a contingency. If no friends are present his case may be disposed of in a way that may serve as a warning to others, though not in a manner to be desired by the interests of the principal actor in this particular life drama. If you would inform yourself further relative to the point EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 135 in question consult the local items in the "Weekly Gazette." The wording 1 doesn't in the least surprise you — it is just what you had reason to expect. Here it is: "At an early hour yesterday morning as Don Vicente Romero was going to his place of business on the Plaza he discovered the body of an American, apparently about twenty-five years of age, just beyond the Azequia Grande with his throat cnt from ear to ear and a bullet hole in his temple. The outer clothing had been stripped from the body and the crime had evidently been committed for the purpose of robbery. Nothing was found on the body that would serve as a means of identification but it is supposed to be that of a miner down from Silverton for a little recreation. The man was seen at the dance-hall of Ramon Chavez Wednesday night and left at a late hour alone and in a dazed condition. Some of the cat-throats who hang out less than a stone's throw of the Plaza could give us all the information needed to solve the mystery. When they conclude to do so we will gladly en- lighten our readers as to the facts in the fourth of a series of murders that have disgraced our city within the past thirty days." But the cut-throats don't do business that way, and not until the sea gives up its dead will some broken-hearted mother know that her wayward son's death was the sad sequel to a night's carousal at a Mexican fandango. But who can say that his sad end was in vain? As he lay there in grim Death's embrace who can deny that more than one repentant prodigal resolved before high Heaven to retrace his steps on the down- ward road? Young men who left the parental home with no more definite object in view than that prompted by an aimless desire to see the world are susceptible to such influences as bring them face to face with the King of Terrors. 'Tis on such occasions as these that their thoughts are prone to revert to the past; when the family circle was complete; when there was in the household a joy that since leaving the home of their youth they have never felt. Such scenes as these beget a longing to return to the father's roof; to the mother's love; to joys which only the companionship of loving brothers and sisters can bring-. 136 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. flr Tirnely Warning- '•Say nothing. But break camp and don't stop this side of the Smoky Hill. The Indians are going on the war path. 1 ' The warning was given in an undertone lest either of the two big Cheyenne women should hear what was said and block the game. We said Cheyenne "women" rather than "squaws" for the reason that the Indian wife of William Griffenstein (Dutch Bill) and her sister were not ordinary squaws in that they were more than usually intelli- gent, and their dress and refined air lifted them so far above the average squaw that they deserved a better name. The writer was one of a party of twenty government employes re- turning from Fort Union, New Mexico, in the spring of 1864. The outfit consisted of two wagons, each drawn by six mules. We had made the outgoing trip in the winter by way of the Platte and Denver, thence south through Pueblo and Trinidad and were returning by the Arkansas route, and when' the warning referred to was given we were in camp at the the upper crossing of the Walnut at which point Dutch Bill had located a small trading post. Among the Cheyennes Bill was a king as far as his influence with the Indians went. They had implicit confidence in Griffenstein. and whether well grounded or not there was a suspicion that this confi- dence wasn't acquired by giving away the Indians' secrets. Not one of our party knew anything about Bill but his reputation and that was better among the Indians than with the whites. But about a year before another member had been attached to Bill's household in the person of one Phillip Bloch, a young Jew, who was looked upon by his family— the Blochs, merchants of St. Joseph, Mo. — as the black sheep of the family. Philip was bound to see the world from an Indian's standpoint, and at that time was a full- fledged brother-in-law of Dutch Bill, one of the tall sisters being his wife and the other the spouse of Griffenstein. Two years before Block had made a winter trip to Fort Lyon, on the upper Arkansas, as a pilot of one of those ships of the plains drawn by six yoke of oxen. But he longed for a change, and at the EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 137 old stage station at the crossing of Elm Creek, in Lyon County, he found it — not a very lucrative position, but times were hard and rather than run the risk of being drafted into the army or shot he concluded to put in the balance of the winter by working for his board. Phillip wasn't partial to work, but the neighborhood socials and spelling schools provided the kind of diversion that rendered the situ- ation bearable until the resumption of overland traffic supplied Bloch with the means of changing his base of operations from the dull routine of farm work to the more congenial occupation of driving dull care away in the Cheyenne camp on the banks of the Walnut. It had been our intention to rest at Dutch Bill's till morning, a fact the Indians seemed pleased to learn. But their hostile demon- strations were anything but pleasing, and this, in conjunction with the knowledge obtained that the squaws and papooses were being quietly moved to some remote fastness of the Smoky, had about con- vinced us that an Indian war was about to be inaugurated. The indi- cations pointed to this as a certainty, and discretion suggested the heeding of Philip Bloch's warning to get out of the Indian country without unnecessary delay. The Indians seemed pleased at the prospect of our stay over night on the Walnut, but the conditions were reversed when unmistakable preparations for our departure were made manifest. Where quiet was the rule commotion now reigned and when the two teams ascended the steep banks of the Walnut, our party was confronted by a band of thirty Dog soldiers, mounted on their war ponies and armed to the teeth— as villainous a gang of cut-throats as ever went unhung. But an Indian reckons the cost before making an attack and no life is so valuable to him as his own. Prospective scalps and plunder on one side and possible casualties on the other are carefully noted, and his clay dreams of existence in the happy hunting grounds are never so blissful as to warrant on his part any needless risks that may be mysteriously shrouded in the sequel. Hate flashed from thirty pairs of Indian eyes, but there were none of the blood-curdling yells that twenty-four hours later were charac- teristic of the thrilling scenes along the Arkansas. Before nightfall the Cheyenne bottoms had been crossed and a hasty supper disposed of at the crossing of Cow Creek. Then a night drive and a camp in the hills beyond Plum Creek. But before sunrise we were preparing breakfast on the north banks of the Smoky — where Fort Harker was afterwards established. Hardly was our camp on the Smoky Hill broken before we were joined by the stock tender at the stage station at Dutch Bill's. From him was learned the first details of the desolation and havoc left in 138 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. the wake of the death-dealing Kiowas, Arapahoes and Cheyennes. He, too, had a tip from Philip. But the score or more of freighters, who in parties of two and three met their death at the hands of the Indians that day were not so fortunate. They had passed over the road scores of times before and had never yet been molested, and why not again? But the grass was good and the tomahawk had been raised to avenge the killing of two Indians at Tort McPherson on the Platte two months before. For four long years war was waged and all this time Dutch Bill and Phillip Bloch were trusted friends if not allies of the bloodthirsty redskins. Griffenstein afterwards settled on the present site of Wichita and acquired a handsome fortune, the greater part of which disappeared when the boom collapsed. Phillip was adopted into the Cheyenne tribe, mastered their language and has for years been em- ployed as government interpreter at Fort Sill. His wife is a woman of acknowledged talent and unbounded influence among the tribes of the Southwest. With all his faults Phillip was not all bad. Like many other young men d uring the troublous times that marked the Civil War, his duty to himself and others was not quite clear. About the tented field there was a false glamour that tended to obscure the path of rectitude and right. Around the camp-fire of the plainsman there was a fascinating glow that hid from view the better things that lay beyond— in the quiet of the home. Phillip bargained his manhood for these. The best years of his life were devoted to the accomplishment of a purpose that could bring naught but disappointment in the end— a realization that too often comes when the opportune moment is be- yond recall. Phillip's greatest enemy was his own perverted will — that smothered the promptings of his better nature. But with all this he did the members of our party a good service by that timely warning at the crossing of the Walnut in the Spring of '64. Note.— Griffenstein died at Shawnee, 1. T., September 26, 1899. He was a politi- cal exile, having been compelled to leave Germany for his participation in the re- bellion of 1848. For a time he made his home with Mr. G. Zwanziger and with the family of Mr. L. Pauly, whom he several times visited while mayor of Wichita. His first experience as an Indian trader was amoner the Pottawatomies. Later he established the post at Walnut creek, and whilenthe Indian war of 1864 was raging- he made an extended visit with his old friends on Mill creek, bringing with him his Cheyenne wife. He pitched his lodge or tepee near where Mr. Aderhuld after- wards built his residence, camping there for several months during the summer of 1864. He then located farther down the Arkansas, on the site of the present city of Wichita. The palatial residence, perhaps the finest in the city, attracts many vis- itors, especially thoseiwho knew him as "Dutch Bill" at his trading post outhe Walnut. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 139 Pc Raid by Bill flrndefeon. "I know it was Bill Anderson, for the moon shone as bright as day and I recognized him under his broad-brimmed hat " That was part of the information imparted to U. S. Marshal McDowell at Topeka in May, 1863, by a farmer living on Elm Creek. Mr. Giles, a bachelor farmer, had died and at the request of his brother, a Topeka banker, the body was hauled in a two-horse wagon, that the remains might be laid away in the Topeka cemetery. The weather was warm and for that reason the long drive was made in the night. At short intervals along the old Santa Fe trail the lone driver met parties of horsemen in pairs and trios, and though clad in the garb of plainsmen certain furtive glances that seemed a universal characteristic convinced the conveyer of the gruesome burden that all was not right. If there had been any doubt on this point the matter was set at rest when the familiar face of Bill Anderson was recognized among the little bands of horsemen wending their way westward on the old trail between Chicken Creek and Wilmington. Since boyhood Bill had lived with his father at the crossing of Bluff Creek. When the Civil War broke out, Bill, with his brother Jim, Lee Griffin and the Rice boys were not backward in making it known that their sympathies were with the South. Frequent trips had been made to and from their old Missouri home, and after their de- parture on one of these trips suspicion pointed to the boys as being mixed up in a horse deal. Lee Griffin was arrested and being brought before A. I. Baker, a justice of the peace at Agnes City, a paper town at the crossing of Rock Creek, was bound over to answer the charge of horse stealing. Old man Anderson, Bill's father, resented this and with his double barrelled shot-gun proceeded to Baker's house to wreak revenge for the fancied insult to the companion of his favorite son. But Baker shot first and old man Anderson's life went out at the foot of Baker's stairway— in the month of June. 1862. 140 EAELY HISTOKY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. , , s On the night of July 3d, Bill and a small company of his Missouri friends appeared on the scene and Baker refusing to come out, his house was set on fire and Baker was shot as he attempted to escape through a cellar window from the burning building. On his way to Missouri Bill called on his old friend, Henry Jacobi, at the mail station at the crossing of Elm Creek, but Henry had no account against Bill and refused to open the door. The curiously in- clined may, today, see the thirty bullet holes made in the door by Bill Anderson and his gang on the morning of the 4th of July, 1862. Down at Reading there lives an old gray-haired man of 70 years, and if you ask him why he joined the army he will tell you it was because he thought his chances for life better in the army than to be a target for Bill Anderson and his gang of outlaws. Bill joined Quantrill and was one of his trusted lieutenants. Ten months had elapsed since the killing of Baker, and lest his old Kan- sas friends might forget him, Bill concluded to make his old stamping ground another visit. The Elm Creek farmer hauling Giles' body to Topeka met Anderson as stated, and his timely recognition resulted in the formation of a posse by Marshal McDowell to look after Bill and make inquiries as to his business. Marshal McDowell, with 100 men, stopped at Wilmington, and among others requested to go along for company were Robt. Maris, Sam Hutchinson, Otho Weaver, Pat Cannon, Mate and Will Hutchin- son, Charley Dodds and the writer of these lines, who, in September, 1900, so far as we know, penned the first chronicle of the trip. That night brought Marshal McDowell and his posse to Council Grove. There we learned that Bill had begun his trail of blood by shooting a woman. At the posse's next camp at Mud Creek, five miles ■■ east of the Cottonwood, the outlaws interviewed Charley Dodds, one of McDowell's pickets, and, after getting all the information wanted, wheeled about for Quantrill's headquarters in Missouri. Anderson's men paralleled the old Santa Fe trail, keeping a few miles to the north, until Black Jack was reached, where the mail was robbed and an army officer barely escaped with his life by concealing his identity. On the way back three of Anderson's men had stopped at Charley Withington's on 142 Creek, laying in a supply of crackers and canned goods, that, it is presumed, a half-hour later, formed the basis of a lunch for. thirty of the men who, three months later, were .with Quantrill at the sacking of Lawrence. Marshal McDowell is now a resident of Manhattan, and though past three score and ten is still hale and hearty, and notwithstanding his gray hairs is still depended on in cases where violators of the Fed- eral statutes need looking after by a tried and true officer of the law. Bill Anderson was shot on one of his raids in Missouri, leaving be- hind him one of the bloodiest records of the War, while his brother ■Jim, with an equally blood-stained career, survived the horrors of the strife and a few years ago was living in Texas. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RANCH HOME OF MR. SAMUEL FIX, Yampa, Colo. MR. D. M. GARDNER AND FAMILY, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. AND MRS. FRED STEINMEYER, Farmer Township. MR. AND MRS. H. W. STEINMEYER, Illinois Creek. C^ ' itr- Afc. . f ** *- MM PkZml |P\ * S " j£\ MR. AND MRS. ANDREW MAIRS, Eskridge. MR. AND MR3. JOHN PETERSON (dec'd), Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. FIVE GENERATIONS. An evidence of longevity ; also, of a healthful climate. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. C. C. GARDINER, near Bradford. FOUR GENEARTIONS, Eskridge. Mr. A. G. BURGETT, Great-grandfather. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. en - H t~ oa O *i H te w o c 03 n c r o EARLY HISTORY OF \VA B A UNSEE COUNTY, KAN. NELLIE ROUUASSA, Maple Hill. ISABELLA MAPLE HILL OLIVER, Maple Hill. WEST SIDE MAIN STREET, Eskrldge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. W. H. EARL (Dec'd), Eskridge. MR. LOUIS SCHEPP, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. THOS. MANEY, Kaw Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Capt. Wrn. Mitchell. S. R. Weed. Matt McKelvey. Mr. S. T. Perry. OLD PIONEERS. MR. BEAUBIEN'S HOTEL, Maple Hill. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JOSEPH FIELDS. Former County Treasurer. MR. MORRIS WALTON (dec'd), Harveyville. SCHOOL IN DISTRICT No. 12. Mrs. Mary Hodgson (nee Woods), teacher. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. W. A. McCOY, Alta Vista. MR. GOTTLIEB NOLLER, McFarland. MR. FRANK KRIENITZ, Painter, Paper-hanger, and Glazier, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 141 Tftt FIRST LOG H-OUSE. On the Site of Which, Near Harveyville, 375,000 in Spanish Gold was Found by a Preacher, Who Had Watched as Well as Prayed. A robbers' roost is responsible for the first log house built by white men in Wabaunsee county— erected in 1842 in the timber ont he banks of Dragoon Creek, near the mouth of Bachelor's branch. Here were the headquarters and rendezvous of as hardened a gang of cut-throats as ever went unhung — organized for the purpose of robbery, army pay- masters and treasure wagons of Mexican caravans forming the tempt- ing inducements that drew together this motley gang of outlaws. The crest of the big mound on the claim pre-empted by Allen Hodgson in 1857, in plain site of the old cabin, as a point of observa- tion couldn't be excelled. From this high elevation every train pass- ing over either the Santa Fe trail proper, or the military road from Fort Leavenworth, could be distinctly seen, the number of wagons de- termined, and the probable value of the treasure to be secured ap- proximately estimated. As early as 1770 the Spaniards from Santa Fe and Chihuahua bought merchandise in St. Louis, but in those days pack animals were used, freighting with wagons not being in vogue until Lexington, Mo., had been fixed upon as the outfitting point by those pioneer traffickers, those advance agents of civilization, to whom the '"Great American Desert" presented no obstacle they for a moment hesitated to sur- mount. Starting from Chihuahua or Santa Fe in the early spring, the pro- prietor of a train of from twenty-five to forty wagons would consider himself fortunate should he succeed in reaching his eastern destina- tion by the latter part of May or the middle of June. As each wagon was drawn bv ten or twelve mules or oxen, there would be from 300 to 142 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 500 mules or oxen and from thirty to fifty men with every train. In all cases the men were armed in anticipation of possible attacks from Indians or the more dangerous and desperate gangs of outlaws as those who in the early days made their headquarters on the Dragoon. Specie— gold or silver— being the medium of exchange, it was nec- essary that the money representing the purchase price of the goods to be bought should be hauled in one of the wagons. This fact, known to the gangs of robbers rendered caution on the part of the owners essential and the guarding against surprises necessary As it required from $50,000 to $100,000 to load a train of thirty or forty wagons with the class of goods usually purchased for the Santa Fe trade, and as every train was known to carry a large amount of specie for the purpose stated, it can be readily surmised that to des- perate and unscrupulous men any east-bound caravan on the old Santa Fe trail offered a temptation extremely inviting, especially when the probability of punishment for such wrong-doing seemed, at the best, remote, with the chances of immunity from punishment in favor of the robbers. A few years prior to, and during the progress of the Mexican war, the train robbers were unusually bold and aggressive, and as a majority of the robberies were perpetrated between 110 creek and Big John, it is more than probable that the gang having their headquarters on the Dragoon was responsible for the unlawful depredations. Several expeditions were sent out from Fort Leavenworth during the years 1842 and 1843, with the object in view of meting out deserved punishment to the daring outlaws, but these efforts by the military were barren of results. By the time a runner could make the trip to Fort Leavenworth and return with a troop of cavalry, the robbers would be scattered to the winds, and not until another raid had been planned and executed would their whereabouts be known or suspected. In the spring of 1844 a mule train of forty-three wagons, owned by an American, but manned by Mexican drivers, while encamped 200 yards west of Log Chain Creek, near the Wabaunsee county line, was surprised at night, and of the forty-six men, twenty-seven were killed, and the mules, 500 in number, run off by the outlaws, undoubtedly the gang having their headquarters within one mile of the present site of Harveyville. In one of the wagons was an iron box 18x12x8 inches containing $75,000 in gold. This treasure box was taken and with the 500 mules represented a fortune— a lost fortune to the owner of the train, who succeeded in getting safely away. Within forty-eight hours he had ridden to Leavenworth and with a company of cavalry was on the way to the scene of the terrible mas- sacre. But the wagons and harness were all that was left of the EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 143 splendid outfit. After burying the dead Mexican trainmen the troops attempted to follow the trail of the robbers with the hope of returning to the owner the treasure box and the mules that he might continue his journey to the States. But the herd had been divided and driven in different directions and after unavailing effort to locate the robbers the Captain with his little band struck westward. At the Little Arkansas an old trapper and plainsman by the name of H. B. Hobbs offering the most reasonable solution of the problem that perplexed the Captain his services were secured to trail the robbers. Hobbs reasoned that the outlaws would not dare to take the mules either to the States or to Mexico but to the only place they could find a safe market-that, in his opinion, was Oregon. Taking a north-east direction the trail of the robbers with the mules was struck on the Smoky Hill. Following this until nearly the head of the stream was reached the troops encountered nineteen of the men in charge of the herd of mules. In the hard fight that followed fourteen of the nineteen robbers were killed. The other five were taken to Fort Leavenworth, tried, and sentenced to the penitentiary at Alton, 111., for life. The mules were turned over to the owner but the treasure box was missing. As two of the twenty-one outlaws comprising the gang were unaccounted for it was supposed that to them had been entrusted the keeping of the golden treasure. Diligent search was made in the vicinity of the robbery for the iron box but the result was a grievous disappointment both to the officer in command of the troops and the unfortunate pro- prietor ofcthe train. In 1857, just thirteen years after the train robbery referred to, Mr. Allen Hodgson settled on the claim on which is located the mound used by the train robbers as their point of observation. At that time there were still evidences of white men having lived north of the Dra- goon and east of Bachelor's Branch. The ashes of a log house 14x16 were plainly visible and for years the outlines of the building were plainly marked. There was an old wagon road that crossed the creek north of the graveyard, extending down the creek on the south side. This was an old road when the first settlers came into the neigh- borhood. Neither Henry, George or Sam Harvey could give any further information as to the old road than that it was there before them. They said that white men had lived there 12 or 15 years before but who they were they didn't know. That they were white men there was no question. Twenty-five or 30 big oak trees had been cut down for honey— the beeswax still adhering to the trees when the Harveys came. In felling a tree a white man cuts on both sides, an Indian but one. In everv case the trees had been cut on both sides. 144 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUKSEE COUNTY, KAS. In a tree cut for a house log by Mr. Allen Hodgson in 1857 a half- inch chisel was found driven through the center of the tree. The number of circles of growth outside of the chisel indicated that fully 13 years had elapsed since the chisel had been driven into the tree. We are informed by Mr. Ira Hodgson (to whom we are indebted for this interesting information) that while crossing the plains in 1861 he became acquainted with an old plainsman by the name of Tom Fulton who had crossed the "Great American Desert" every year for twenty years or more. When Ira spoke of the old landmarks, Fulton said that was where the train robbers had their headquarters— on the Dragoon, above the Leavenworth and Santa Fe roads. Fulton said that point was chosen because of the proximity to the junction of the two great thoroughfares for one thing and that for several other good reasons it was the best place for their business— it was too far west for white men to molest them and not far enough west for the Indians to inter- fere with their nefarious work. Fulton told how the robbers laid their plans— by sending out scouts who pretended to be looking for mules or oxen strayed or stampeded from their train. Then they would ask permission to travel with the train till their own camp was reached, taking advan- tage of the opportunity to inform themselves as to the number of men, their arms, the location and probable amount of treasure, &c. Of course on the information obtained depended the fate of the train as far as the work of the train robbers was concerned. In 1859 to 1861 there was much talk among the employes of the Overland Mail Company about buried treasure— somewhere between 110 and Big John -enough, the boys said to make them all rich. They looked for it some but found nothing. In 1867 a man came out from Alton, Ills., and spent the whole summer looking for this same iron box filled with gold. But in search- ing for the box he went farther west than the Dragoon, his efforts being confined to digging along the banks of Big John, Rock, Bluff and 142 Creeks. According to his description the money was buried on a creek crossed by the Santa Fe road. On the south side of the creek there was a big bluff, and a creek coming into the main creek from the north side. The box was buried on the east side of the creek coming from the north. On the bluff south of the creek there was a lot of big flat rock and on one of these rock was cut the figure of a compass pointing to the place where the box was buried and the number of rods to the box was marked on the rock. In the Summer of 1895, just six years ago, an old Englishman came into the Harveyville neighborhood. He had but little to say to any one. though he preached some and fished a great deal. He fished EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. OUR FIRST HOME IN KANSAS — built in 1855. SW.?r. ge-c. t-t-Tif-Ki'f. L N.We-r- St.'- 33 -T/^-R 'J. tf.Bfr. S*^. 33 -T («*• -W /a. WHERE THE FIRST LOG HOUSE WAS BUILT, IN 1844. On the site of which, near Harveyville, $75,000 in Spanish gold was found, in 1891, by a preacher who had watched as well as prayed. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 145 and preached for two or three months. His favorite place for fishing was near the mouth of Bachelor's branch, the poorest place to fish in the whole country. He fished and preached until some time in Sep- tember, when without bidding any of his newly made friends good bye, he disappeared. In a few days it was noised about that some one had dug up a box over north of the Harveyville cemetery. Right where stood the old log house the robbers had built fifty years before was a hole about four feet deep and on the sides was the imprint of an iron box 18x12x8— un- doubtedly the same box stolen by the train robbers on Log Chain creek in 1.844. The iron rust was there, but the $75,000 in Spanish gold had disappeared— with the old preacher. He had watched as well as prayed. He had been fishing for gold— and had found what he long had sought. Our First VigilanGe Committee. That Was Compelled to Suspend Business for Lack of Other Material. In 1850, notwithstanding the scarcity of horses, the business of horse stealing was by no means neglected. As a matter of protection a vigilance committee was organized in the south-east part of the county for the purpose of dealing out justice in chunks according to the standard laid down by Judge Lynch, to such persons as found it difficult to keep their hands from stealing other people's horses. This committee of eight waited a long time before being permitted to put to the test the value of the organization as a promoter of civiliz- ing influences. But few people living in "Wabaunsee County to-day ever knew that such an organization existed at any time in our history and it may be as well to state that they are but little less ignorant relative to the matter in question than were a majority of those who at the time lived in the country. Among those who knew nothing of such an organization was an old Englishman by the name of Brain, who lived on the quarter ad- joining Joe Johnson's place on the east. Brain's worldly goods con- sisted of a one-horse wagon, one horse, one woman, one small kid. a one-room house and about as much household goods as could be put in the one-horse wagon without crowding the rest of the family. Brain's horse was the most valuable piece of property on the claim, being worth at that time about $100. One morning, about the middle of July, the horse was missing. Some miscreant had cut the lariat, taking the end to which the horse was tied, leaving the other end of the rope to remind Brain of his irreparable loss. 146 EAKLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Failing to get any clue of the lost horse, Brain sent a description of the lost animal to the sheriffs of adjoining counties and in about three months word came that the horse and thief were at Lawrence. Borrowing a neighbor's horse, Brain hitched to his little wagon and taking a trace chain, padlock and double barrelled shot-gun, went to Lawrence after his horse and thief. The sheriff kindly turned both over to Brain. Locking the trace chain around the thief's ankle and the other end being made fast to the wagon Brain returned to his home on the Dragoon. For four or five days he kept his prisoner chained to one of the sills of his house. No one seemed to interpose . any objection until one night eight masked men put in an appearance and demanded that Brain turn the thief over to them. Brain refusing to comply with their request the masked men removed the chain from the horse-thief's ankle and at- tached it to that of Brain. Taking a rope they tied the hands of Brain's wife securely behind her so she could not assist her husband in getting loose, the masked men drove away with their prisoner. When morning came Brain's wife went up to Joe Johnson's, and getting Joe to cut the ropes that bound her hands, got him to return with her and release her husband. Supposing the masked men had hung the thief to some neighboring tree search was made for the body, but it could nowhere be found. Then there was a suspicion that the masked men were friends of the horse-thief who took that method of releasing him. For twenty years the matter remained a mystery. It was left for John Ward to unravel the skein. John used to live on the Milt Big- gin place, but returned to his old home in Missouri in 1880. In 1878 he came out for a visit with old friends and then the story was told for the first time. John was a member of the committee and he said that it was a good deal of trouble for Brain to take care of that horse-thief all by himself, and they concluded they would lend a hand. They decided they had better hang him or he might get away. Driving to Brain's in a two-horse wagon the thief was released, as we have stated. The vigilance committee concluded they would take him over to the crossing of Onion creek on the Emporia road and hang him to a tree by the side of the road as a warning to other men follow- ing his line of business. At that time there was a great deal of travel on the Emporia road, and when they got near the designated place the committee found three or four wagons encamped at the crossing. Getting back out of sight the lynchers waited until the campers should get their break- fast and break camp. By that time the sun was an hour high and as EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 147 hot as a July sun ever gets in Kansas. Driving down near the crossing a convenient limb was found, the thief commanded to stand up, and after his hands were securely tied behind him, a rope was put about his neck and the other end tied to the overhanging limb. It was the intention to drive the wagon out from under the horse-thief and let him hang until life was extinct, but when the captain of the vigilance committee ordered the owner of the team to drive away, he refused, emphasizing his refusal by an oath, indicating that he meant just what he said. It was too much like murder, he said, and every effort to induce the owner of the team to drive out was unavailing. While the members of the committee were arguing the all im- portant question— to the thief— as to who should do the driving, the most interested man in the company was shaking like a man with the ague, the sweat running in a stream down his face. To make matters worse for the lone occupant of the wagon the flies were biting the horses like mad. At such times the horses would start up and move, and once the prospects were good for the flies settling the question so hard for the committee to agree upon. But the thief was doing some good talking on his own account. He would yell: "Whoa, there ! " when their movements would bring him painfully near the hind part of the wagon, and he would start them up a little when their backing threatened to leave his body dangling from the tree in front. While the committee were parleying the thief had nothing on which to rely but his feet and his tongue to save him from swinging into eternity, and it is unnecessary to state that he made good use of his understanding and powers of persuasion as he never did before. As a last resort, the committee drew cuts to see on whom would fall the responsibility of driving the team out from under the tree, but the man making the unlucky draw refused point blank to act his part. Just then a covered wagon was descried coming down the road. This hastened the verdict. Two hours and a half had been frittered away in argument and child's play— to all but the man in the wagon. The flies were keeping him busy. He had passed the dreary hours in the effort of his life. He was keeping his feet and tongue busy to save his neck. With one accord the committee approached the man in the wagon and informed him that if he would promise to leave the country and never return he would be released. Of coure he promised. It was easier than to dangle from the limb of a tree without any support for his feet. Would he go? He "reckoned" he would. He didn't think this was a very healthy country, anyhow— for him. 148 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. The committee told him if he was ever caught in the country again they would shoot him on the spot. He replied that they would be perfectly welcome to shoot him if they ever caught him in the country at any time in the future. He kept his word. That was the first— as well as the last— work ever done by a vig- ilance commitee in Wabaunsee county. Bossy Solved the Problem. Not the least among the many vexatious problems that presented themselves to the early settlers for solution was the all important one of transportation. While teams of oxen were the rule and horses the exception not all were so fortunate as to possess either. Among those so unfortunately situated was Hon. G. G. Hall, who for so many years filled so creditably the office of probate judge. The Judge's memory was a store-house of early reminiscences and no one delighted more in recounting the trials and the tribulations of the pioneers than the Judge. Having raised quite a crop of potatoes and considerable corn he was puzzled to determine how to move his produce from the field to the house— some distance away. Among his worldly possessions was neither a team nor a wagon, but he was the fortunate owner of a cow. Seeing no better way out of the difficulty he resolved to utilize Bossy as a beast of burden. And right well did she serve the purpose, With a sack on either side — pack-horse fashion — the Judge soon had his corn and potatoes stored away for the winter. BOSSY. ALSO A SAMPLE OF A PIONEER FENCE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 149 ^n Unmarked Grave, It was in October, 1864. Price was threatening to invade Kansas, the militia had been called out and only a few besides the old men and boys were left to guard the women and children left behind. There were but few settlers on the Copp branch of Mill creek. The bottoms were narrow and the hills rocky. But there was a good range for cattle and the beauty of the landscape attracted the atten- tion of Mr. John Copp, who saw in the claim selected the spot for an ideal home. His nearest neighbor was Charlie Pafkowich, in plain sight, but more than a mile away. Charlie was among those who had gone to the front, leaving his young wife to look after the farm. Those were lonely days — when Indians were oftener seen than white men. They were getting restive, too. They knew the war was going on and rumors of an uprising had reached the ears of the anxious settlers. It was but a few miles to the Pottawatomie reserve on the on the north and the Kaws were uncomfortably close on the other side. Only a few short years before, the Kaws had come over from their reservation and within sight of the Copp home had wreaked a terrible revenge on one of their old time enemies — a Pawnee, that the lonely squatter had given a comfortable bed in the hay stack, within a few yards of the one-room log cabin. Mrs. Copp was at home on the day of which I write, but not alone. Four darling children had blessed and made happy the occupants of the little log cabin. So fond a mother could never be lonesome with the innocent prattle of those she prized above all things else around 'her. It was chilly that day and a warm fire had been kindled in the old chimney. The wind was blowing, too, and when a crackling noise was heard the fond mother was amazed to find that the house had caught fire from the chimney. Hurriedly water was brought from the creek near at hand. But the bank was steep and the work tiresome. When the fire seemed almost quenched it would again blaze up. Help must be had or the house and all would be gone. Tired in the extreme with fruitless exertion, and driven almost to the verge of distraction, the half crazed mother locked the door with the 150 EAKLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. children inside, and made haste for help— the nearest at hand — at the Pafkowich home, more than a mile away, down the valley. Between hysterical sobs she told her story. But a glance at the Copp home was all that was needed to convince Mrs. Pafkowich of the terrible truth — the little log cabin was all ablaze and the four children were wrapped in a shroud of flames. A charred heap near the door told the saddest story in our county's history — their doom had been sealed by the turning of the key in the lock. Under a spreading oak within thirty yards of the tenant house on the Allendorph ranch near Halifax station (now the property of Mr. Finney), the remains lie buried. • No mound was raised to mark the place. It would but recall that heart-rending scene on that terrible day in the fall of '64. Lest the mother's reason be dethroned every effort must be made to efface from memory's tablet the horrid spectacle. To the memory of Mary, Bobert, Ida and Hedwigno inscription on slab of marble is needed. Poignant grief, deep-seated sorrow, weighed down the years of a life time. That the load of anguish might be lightened, that the burden might be bearable — these tell the sad story of the unmarked grave by the road-side. John Verity, who for a number of years kept a store at Maple Hill, and Vera was a genuine cowboy, having worked at the trade for some years prior to going into the mercantile business. After leav- ing Wabaunsee county John accepted a position with the Swofford Dry Goods Co,, of Kansas City, Missouri. While in the employ of this company Mr. Verity assumed the management of several branch stores in the Indian territory, residing with his family in the Nation for several years. On John's first appearance in the territory he was dubbed a "tenderfoot." but when the Indians and squaw men gathered in front of the company's store to greet his initial perform- ance with the usual applause given a new arrival's first attempt at riding a bucking broncho there was disappointment on every countenance. When the broncho felt his ribs crack from the raps from that wagon spoke he forgot to buck and struck out on his fifteen mile run with a determination to get there Eli before his ribs were all stove in. When the Territory toughs, Indians, and squaw men brought in their verdict it was: "Tenderfoot ride like h— 1 !." John had been there before and his experience as a cow-boy stood him in good stead 'while roughing it in the Nation. His standing with the rough element had been estab- lished on a firm foundation. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. CALVIN BUEGER. HARRY TANDY. JAMES RENDER, alias " Denver Kid." DICK WILLIAMS, alias "Trilby"; alias "Snowball. THE McFARLAND MURDERERS AND THEIR VICTIMS. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 151 Double Murder at /VlGFarland. The most revolting crime ever committed in Wabaunsee county was the murder of Harry Tandy and Calvin Burger, at McFarland, on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 28, 1899. On the following morning, about 9 o'clock, Henry Weaver's at- tention was attracted by the gesticulations and incoherent mutterings of a man at the foot of a high bank of Mill Creek, about sixty yards southwest of the ice-house at McFarland. The man's lower limbs were submerged in the water drowning being prevented by projecting roots but for which the murderers may have escaped conviction and punishment. It was found that the young man's skull had been crushed by a blow back of the ear, rendering the victim of murderous assault un- conscious, in which condition the unfortunate young man remained till the time of his death, at 10 o'clock Thursday night. The young man was recognized as one, who, the day before, had been seated with a companion on the platform in front of Winkler Bros.' store at McFarland. It was recalled that the young men had made inquiries relative to the country, the prospect of getting work, &c. At noon the young men bought some crackers and cheese for lunch. Although both wore overalls, there was something about the young men that attracted more than ordinary attention. It was noticed that each wore a good suit of clothes under his overalls, and that one of the young men carried a gold watch— and that his hands were as soft as a woman's. By letters on the body of the young man found in the creek, the body was identified as that of Harry Tandy, a druggist of Creighton, Mo. Dr. O. S. Chester was called by telephone to McFarland, and im- mediately a message was sent to the young man's father. Starting immediately the grief-stricken parent reached the bedside of his dying son, but only to return on the saddest mission of his life— the boy's spirit had been wafted home. 152 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. So certain were the people that young Tandy's companion had also been foully murdered that the creek was dragged for the missing body, but not until Saturday evening, July 8, was the second victim found— in the orchard on the Tom Locke farm, nearly a mile west of McFarland— on information secured from one of the men charged with the murder— he having furnished Sheriff Cook, of Shawnee County, with a diagram that enabled the officers to go directly to the place where the body lay, in a badly decomposed condition. After the finding of young Tandy's body, several parties recognized him as one of the two young men who had been seen playing cards with two young colored men on the east side of the ice-house the evening before the finding of young Tandy's body. A young colored man, named Williams, had called at Mr. Don- nelley's, at McFarland, for lunch for himself and a partner, and before leaving had borrowed two fishing poles, leaving the satchel with the Misses Donnelley until his return. Later in the day Williams returned the fishing poles and called for his satchel, his excited manner attracting attention to such a de- gree as to make a lasting impression. On leaving the Donnelley home he went the back way, going north of the store on his way to the stock-yards, near which place he met Render, the other colored man, who had called at the store to buy something for lunch. The two colored men left McFarland on a freight train for Topeka, going to Crook Wright's, where Tandy's gold watch was pawned. This was the first clue that led to the arrest of Williams and Render. At a barber shop, opposite the Rock Island depot, Render had changed his bloody shirt, and at Kansas City, Williams had left his blood stained pants. Both showed considerable money at Crook Wright's. At the trial Williams acknowledged to being present when both young men were murdered but said Bill Collins had killed Harry Tandv and "Souse" Hawkins had killed Calvin Burger— Williams stating that he had been compelled at the point of a revolver to assist in the double murder. Williams told how Burger had been decoyed to the orchard to get chickens for supper and how Tandy was disposed of on his return — how, on bended knees, he had plead for his life— ottering to give up his watch and money — everything, if only his life was spared. As neither "Souse" nor Collins had been seen at McFarland, and it being proven that they were in Topeka at the time the murders were committed, Williams' story was devoid of effect. It was re- garded as a bungling effort at fixing a most horrible crime on innocent parties— innocent, at least, of the double murder at McFarland. The recital of the brutal murder of Harrv Tandv created a heart EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 153 rending scene in the court-room. Scalding tears coursed down the cheeks of the grief stricken mother and the excited condition apparent in the equally aggrieved father created the impression that the as- sembled spectators might be unwilling witnesses of a second tragedy as a sequel to the first. The jury brought in a verdict of guilty at noon, and at 1:45 p. m. Williams and Render were on their way to the penitentiary — having been convicted of murder in the first degree. Mr. and Mrs. Tandy and Mr. and Mrs. Burger, parents of the mur- dered boys, were in attendance at the trial, leaving on their sad home- ward journey on the same train that carried Williams and Render to prison for life. Mr. Tandy is a leading physician and druggist at Creighton, Mo., and Mr. Burger is in the restaurant business in Kansas City, but until a short time before the murder had been a guard at the Kansas State penitentiary at Lansing. Two excellent families had been drawn together by sad circumstances that deprived each of two homes of a promising son. Good detective work was done in bringing the criminals to justice. Messers. Barnes and Carroll received deserved commendation for their efficient work as prosecutors. Mr. Keagy exerted his best efforts to bring about the acquittal of the defendants and with nothing to base a hope on, he made the best possible argument in behalf of the prisoners — who could have no cause to complain that their conviction was due to a lack of legal talent in their defense. There were no shoes on young Burger's feet when the body was found, though an old pair was found near by. When Mrs. Burger came to Alma she identified the shoes Williams was wearing as having been worn by her son, Calvin, when he left home for a visit with his brother in Oklahoma. Though robbery was the motive for the crime a five dollar bill was found in the lining of young Burger's hat. It was wrapped in a piece of a newspaper published at Minneapolis, Kas., where the family for- merly resided. The identification of Calvin Burger's body— decomposed beyond recognition — was established by the score book first and later by the pants that he wore at the time of the murder. Allowing that "T" in the score book stood for Tandy, "D" for Dick Williams and "R" for Render, the other initial, "B" represented the young man whose identity was in question. In their effort to fix the responsibility for the crime on "Souse" and Collins the prisoners had stated that the young man whose body was found in the orchard had been working with the asphalt gang in Kansas City. Attorney Carroll went to Kansas City and established the fact that Calvin Burger was young Tandy's companion at McFarland. The bit of cloth used in patching 154 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. the pants worn by the murdered boy made the identification complete. When on Saturday. July 8, the second body was found and the facts developed that the victim had been foully murdered in the same identical manner as was the young druggist the excitement was in- tense and the conditions ripe for the infliction of summary punish- ment on any one whom the evidence might incriminate. On Sunday when the train bearing Dick Williams, one of the accused, reached Alma the excitement which had not yet abated was heightened in the extreme and hardly had the outer door of the jail closed on the prisoner than the sheriff and his deputies were overpowered, the door broken down and in a trice the body of Dick Williams was being dragged through the street to the Mahan corner— a block east of the court house — and in another moment what was supposed to be a life- less body was dangling limp and motionless from a telephone pole ten feet from" the ground. Six minutes later City Marshal Pippert lowered the body. Williams breathed but until midnight his life hung as by a thread. Twenty-four hours later, with the exception of an abrasion of the scalp, there were no indications that Williams had passed through the terrible ordeal that came near depriving him of the right of trial by jury for a crime without a parallel in the history of Wabaunsee County. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 165 The FranK MitGhell Murder. When on Monday morning, March 9, 1896, Mr. James Clare, of Alta Vista, went to the farm of his brother-in-law, Mr. Frank Mitchell, to return a borrowed wag-on and failed to find Frank at home his suspic- ions were at once aroused, and he felt assured that something- had g-one wrong-. His suspicions were more than confirmed when he noticed that all the stock on the place appeared in a gaunted and half-starved condition, the water-tank dry and everything going to show that the owner had not been on the place for several days at least. From inquiries it was learned that not since the Thursday before (March 5) had Frank been seen by anyone. On that day a neighbor had called on Frank, leaving there .about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. While at the Mitchell farm Frank had said that John Hoepner had one of his hogs and that he was going over to see about it. From the fact that Hoepner had once before refused to deliver to Frank a hog of tys that he had taken up until he had paid him two dollars, it was at once suspected that Frank had got into trouble with Hoepner and had been foully dealt with at the hands of his quarrelsome neighbor. A searching party of about thirty of Frank's neighbors and friends was at once organized, and there being such a unanimity of sentiment respecting Hoepner's guilt a warrant was sworn out before M. IT. Cooper, a justice of the peace, and placed ini$he hands of Constable John Kistler, to be served in case circumstances should warrant his arrest. Although Hoepner denied having seen Mitchell for several months, and his statement was corroborated by his wife, not one of the search- ing party believed the story of the one or the other. Rut persisting- in their determination to find the body, success finally rewarded the ef- forts of the diligent searchers. About a quarter of a mile north of Hoepner's barn poor Frank Mitchell lay prone upon his back, his blood- stained lips apart, his eyes glazed and turned heavenward as if mutely appealing to a just God who has said. "Vengeance is mine. I will re- pay." 156 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. For four days and nights the body had lain where John Hoepner had dumped the limp and lifeless form from his wagon— like a dog. Telegrams were at once sent to Coroner Beals, County Attorney Barnes, and Sheriff Treu. Messrs. Otto Meyer, Gilbert Anderson, Geo. W. Gantz, David Weidner, and Drs. Eldridge and Goodsell were sworn in as jurors, and after hearing the evidence brought in a verdict to the effect that Frank Mitchell came to his death from a gunshot wound, and that the said shot was fired by John Hoepner with felonious in- tent. Hoepner was held for murder in the first degree and only by strategy was lynching prevented. After being lodged in the Alma jail Hoepner confessed to the mur- der, he claiming that Frank had refused to pay the five dollars damage he had asked before he would allow him to take his hog: that Frank had taken the hog from the pen and was driving it home when he overtook and shot him. The shooting was done southeast of Hoep- ner's and in the direction of Frank's home. When found the body was nearly half a mile from the spot where the killing was done. Two slugs had broken the arm bone just below the shoulder, entering the lung cavity, and must have caused immediate death. Several days after the murder Sheriff Treu discovered that the front and arms of Hoepner's shirt— that he wore at the time of the murder— was a matted mass of blood, showing conclusively that Hoep- ner had grasped the body tightly in his arms in lifting it into the wagon. Hoepner had bought the farm on which he lived at the time of the murder about ten years before. He was of a quarrelsome disposition, and his life in the neighborhood had been marked by an uninterrupted series of brawls, quarrels, fights, threats to shoot, &c, with game and wild fruit hunters, and with neighbors about stray stock, land lines and other matters that usually are lightly considered but more often unnoticed. In strange contrast was the character of Frank Mitchell, who, by his upright conduct and manly bearing, had won for himself an enviable place in the esteem of the people. Of him it could be truthfully said: "None knew him but to love him, Nor named him but to praise." The remains were buried at the White school house, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Newcomb, of Beman. The case was tried at the May term of court and the murderer sentenced to a term of twenty years in the penitentiary. EAKLY H1BTOBY OV WABAUNSEE COUNTY, JiAS. 15; The IVluehlenbaGher Murder. On Saturday night, March IT, 1894, at the Muehlenbacher home, seven miles southeast of Alma on Illinois Creek, was perpetrated one of the most atrocious and brutal murders ever committed in Wa- baunsee county. Many years before Louis, Fred and Peter Muehlenbacher, three bachelor brothers, had located on the creek. There was a sis- ter who had married a man by the name of Schepp, but there had been a separation, Margar- itha, with her son, Louis, having for years made their home with the brothers. the muehlenbacher home. Several years prior to the murder Fred was found dead in the tim- ber, and a little more than a year before the tragedy on Illinois Creek Louis was killed by a flying limb while felling a tree in the woods, leaving Peter, Margaritha, the sister, and her son, Louis, to look after the work of the farm. The brothers had accumulated quite a large amount of property, consisting of lands, horses and cattle, money invested in mortgages. &c. Of lands they owned something over two thousand acres and the home farm, extending for several miles on either side of Illinois Creek, included some of the richest land and most valuable timber in Wa- baunsee county. Owning as they did nearly all of the best lands on the stream it was as often referred to as the Muehlenbacher branch as Illinois Creek. Hard work and rigid economy was the rule at the Muehlenbacher farm. Three large stone houses had been built on the farm, but the attractions of the old home place were many, and here the family had remained until the terrible tragedy of March 17, 1894. On the evening of that day as Peter, Louis Schepp, and Frank Walker were seated at the supper table (near the south window, shown 158 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAb. in cut), a pistol shot was fired on the outside near the front door (shown in cut of log building). A moment later a masked man stepped into the open door and fired a shot at Peter, who had got up from the table as the man entered the room. The shot had struck Peter in the side, inflicting a mortal wound, causing him to fall towards his murderer, whom he grasped by the legs as he fell. The masked man then fired a shot at Margaritha. missing his aim, but another shot struck Louis as he entered the door leading to the north room — the ball entering his side, inflicting a painful and dangerous wound. Peter, still holdingThe murder- er's legs in a death grip, was dragged outside the building. maugaritha's house. where another and last shot was fired, striking the prostrate man in the back of the head and causing immediate death. There was but little light in the room and the smoke from the shooting was so dense that nothing could be seen. But Louis and his mother had passed into the north room and Louis looking out of the window, raised about ten inches, saw the murderer, who, Louis thought was reloading his pistol. Fie was standing nearly in front of the still open door and about twenty feet from the house. Though weak and nervous from excitement and loss of blood, Louis got down his double- barreled shotgun and loading it with a single ball that just fitted the bore, fired under the raised sash at the murderer of his uncle. At the crack of the gun the man fell, but rising immediately to his feet dis- appeared in the darkness. As soon as the excitement had partially subsided Frank Walker went to George Casey's for help, and Charlie Wenzel came to Alma and informed Sheriff Palenske, who immediately organized a posse to go to the scene of the murder and if possible to get some clue as to the per- petrators of the atrocious crime. THE FIRST CLUE. It was 7:30 o'clock when Frank Walker left the Muehlenbacher home on the night of the murder. About 9 o'clock the posse started to the scene of the murder. When the posse started Jerry and James Fields went to the Rock Island depot to watch all passing trains and to get any clue as to the perpetrators of the murder. A half hour later Jerry Fields had settled in his own mind the identity of at 'least two of the men guilty of the murder of Peter Muehlenbacher, and later developments proved that his suspicions were well-founded. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. SCHOOL-HOUSE AT McFARLAND. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT WABAUNSEE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. First School in Dist, 23, Rock Creek. M. E. CIIUUCH, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ALTAR, Newbury. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. M. E. CHURCH, Kaw Township. LUTHERAN CHURCH, Kaw Township. M. E. CHURCH, Paxico. M. E. CHURCH, Wabaunsee. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ALTAR IN CHURCH BURNED. CATHOLIC CHURCH. Burned February 6, 1899. ALTAR IN THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Mr. Franz Schmidt's Residence. Parsonage. The Parsonage. Rev. Father Hohe. Catholic Church, Alma. The Old Church. Rev. Father Ramp. Rev. Father Hundhausen. Rev. Father Cihal. Rev. Father Bollwig. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. BAPTIST CHURCH, ESKR1DGE. M.E.CHURCH and PARSONAGE.ESKRIDGE. CATHOLIC PARSONAGE. NEWBURY. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. M. E. CHURCH, HpFarland. M. E. CHURCH, Maple Hill. DINING-ROOM, ROCK ISLAND EATING HOUSE, McFarland. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. HAYING AT MR. CHRIS. LANGVARDT'S, NEAR ALTA VISTA. GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH, ALTA VISTA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. j*ag; SCHOOL HOUSE AT ESKRIDGE. M. E. CHURCH, ALTA VISTA. ROCK ISLAND EATING HOUSE. McFARLAND. EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. . 159 At the depot were Frank Simon, Jr., and Julius Benke; the latter for some time slept on a cot in the depot. Jerry Fields inquired of the boys if they had seen anyone going up the railroad track the evening before. Both the boys had seen Chris Carpenter going west on the Rock Esiand track late in the afternoon, carrying a bundle. This ex- cited Mr. Fields' suspicions, and going to the small frame building just north of the Commercial house, where Chris usually stopped, he found that he had gone — no one knew where. Having seen Jerry Carpenter in Alma the evening before, Mr. Fields at once telegraphed to McFarland (where Jerry Carpenter had been at work at the coal chute for the Rock Island company), asking if Jerry was there and if not, where he was. In response Mr. Field received a dispatch stating that Jerry had gone away the evening be- fore with the expressed intention of going to Kansas City but that he had not gone on any east bound train. This settled in the mind of Jerry Fields the identity of at least two of. the murderers of Peter Muehlenbacher. From that time every word said and every move made by either Jerry or Chris Carpenter but added to the proofs that they were two of the parties engaged in the murder and attempted robbery of Peter Muehlenbacher on Illinois Creek. So confident was Jerry Fields of this fact that he insisted on going out to John Allen's (the brother-in-law of the Carpenters) that night and arresting them as participants in the crime. But other counsel prevailed and the arrest was postponed, but in the meantime close watch was kept on the suspected parties, every act of whom but drew closer the web that was closing about them. On Sunday Jerry Carpenter was at McFarland a very sick man. He hired a substitute at the coal chute— stating that he was sick— to one party that he had the sore eyes and to another that he had the dysentery. On Monday he again appeared in Alma. That night Jerry and Chris were seen through a slit in the window curtain- dressing the gunshot wound received out at Muehlenbacher's. One was heard to say to the other: "We are all right if Tom McClain don't give us away" Jerry went to McFarland on the morning train but it was seen that he didn't go any farther. Before night Jerry and Chris Carpenter and Tom McClain were lodged in the Alma jail. TOM M'CLA.IN'S STATEMENT. Solitary confinement worked on Tom's nerves and he sought spiritual consolation. Sending for Rev. J. F. Dennis he unbur- dened his mind. He told Rev. Dennis that on Saturday— the day of the murder— that Chris had said to him that there was lots of money to be had out at Muehlenbacher's and that he and Jerry were going to have it and that Chris invited Tom to go along but he stated that he wouldn't go. Tom further said that 160 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. on Sunday morning Chris came by his place and said that he (Chris) and Jerry were out at Muehlenbacher's the night before and that they had a h — 1 of a time, that they had killed Pete, and Jerry had a hole put through him. But Tom insisted that he had nothing to do with it. Tom sought consolation by singing a few good old Methodist songs with Rev. Dennis. .JERRY'S CONFESSION. Jerry Carpenter was in the room just across the hali-way and when told that Tom was giving him away Jerry became excited and said he would have something to say about it— that when the time came he would get up in the court room and tell the whole story. Then he told how that he and Chris and Tom had gone out to Muehlenbacher's — that he did the shooting but Tom and Chris were both in the room.* Jerry said he fell just as Louis had said and that he got up and walked unaided to the fence when Chris and Tom helped him away. Jerry said he never thought of there being a gun in the house and he supposed Louis was past shooting. Jerry was doubtless re-loading his pistol but on this point he refused to say anything. THE MYSTERIOUS BUNDLE. When Julius Benke and Frank Simon saw Chris Carpenter he was going west on the Rock Island track with a bundle. One of the three men who passed Albert Dieball's and John Diehl's had with him the mysterious bundle. Before leaving McFarland Jerry had the same bundle claiming it to be a pair of pants he wanted altered. It is sus- pected that this bundle contained the masks, pistols, &c, used at M uehlenbacher's. When Jerry Carpenter left McFarland he had on a dark suit of clothes but a light suit when he returned. In Chris' trunk was found a pair of pants, wet and soggy— made so perhaps in washing out blood stains. One of the masks was found a mile north of Muehlenbacher's on Sunday morning by Herman Schroeder. A few days after a coat was found near the same place. Tom McClain had lost a coat about which he seemed uneasy but he denied the ownership of the coat, though he said the coat found was something like the one he had lost. The reward of $500 offered by the sister, Margaritha, was paid to Messrs J. H. McMahan, J. B. Fields and D. M. Gardner, each of whom did excellent work in securing the early arrest of the guilty parties connected with the murder. *Note.— The room was so filled with smoke from the revolver in the hands of Jerry that nothing could be seen. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 161 OLD OFFENDERS. Jerry and Chris Carpenter served two years in the Kansas peni- tentiary, having been sent up from Marion county for grand larceny. Over a thousand dollars worth of goods, burglarized from a store in Marion, were found in the shanty occupied by Chris. But Jerry had skipped out and after a long chase was captured at Hot Springs in Arkansas. After the Muehlenbacher murder a large number of keys, saws, tiles, coldchisels, glass cutters and fuse were found in Chris' valise, and at the barn where he kept his horses several lap robes and other prop- erty, identified as long missing articles belonging to citizens of Alma. County Attorney Jones was ably assisted in the prosecution by Messrs Barnes, Cornell and McClure. Messrs Case & Nicolson de- fended. Chris and Jerry were given life sentences, while McClain was acquitted. Finding public sentiment strong against him he went to Oklahoma. Chris died at Lansing after serving the state five years in the coal mines. 162 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN, The Fooks-Miller Felid. On the morning of October 5, 1881, the quiet law-abiding citizens of Washington township were startled by the news of a tragedy, the like of which was never known before among a people whose inclina- tions have ever been foreign to the fostering of quarrels and bickerings — to say nothing of difficulties in the settlement of which, human life would be placed in jeopardy. On the north half of section 18, township 12, range 9, lived two neigh- bors, George Miller and Matt Fooks— the former a quiet, stolid Ger- man, and the latter an Englishman, who, during his residence in the neighborhood, had acquired the reputation of being pugilistic, and, as some asserted, quarrelsome. At any rate, there was friction between the heads of the two families. Their farms were adjoining and there was trouble about Fooks' cattle breaking into Miller's enclosure. On the morning referred to the cattle had made another raid and Miller was driving them out. What occurred in the timber near the line fence was but little more than conjecture. About 9 o'clock Fooks rode by the Moege farm, where Mr. Moege, sr., and sons were butchering a hog. Fooks was much excited and telling Mr. Moege he had killed Miller rode off towards Alma. It was nearly noon when he rode into town and surrendered himself to Sheriff Gardner, stating that he had a difficulty with George Miller about his (Fooks) cattle that had broken into Miller's enclosure, and that in the dispute that followed, Miller struck him with a club, and that he drew his revolver and fired several shots at Miller, two of which he thought had taken effect in Miller's body. In a short time several of Fooks' neighbors arrived in Alma and claimed that a cold-blooded murder had been perpetrated, and that the killing was premeditated, and without just provocation, Drs. Green and Buehner went out and made a post-mortum exam- ination, finding that one bullet had passed through the lungs and heart, lodging in the back, and that another had entered the side, fracturing the spinal column. Either shot would have been fatal. The inquest was held by Squire Finck. The body was found fifty yards over the line in Miller's timber, and rendered a plea of self-de- fense untenable. Fooks was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree and sentenced to six years imprisonment. He was taken to Lansing September 24, 1882, but secured a pardon after serving about half his time. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 163 flr Bte Flood. The night of June 28, 1858, will long be remembered by the old settlers of Wabaunsee county. The flood-gates of heaven were opened and the rain came down in torrents. As a rule the people had built their houses on low ground; generally near some good spring of clear, sparkling water, little thingking of the danger from turbulent floods that came, so soon. Some of the pioneers had retired for the night, while others had not yet gone to rest. Klockman's, Thowe's and Schwanke's houses went down with the flood and the occupants were compelled to wade in water up to the armpits or swim for their lives. Mr. Klockman was away and Mrs. Klockman found herself struggling for her life in twenty feet of water. Floating down the stream she caught the limbs of a tree that had lodged against another tree, that still resisted the torrent of water. Here she remaiaed till the waters subsided, more dead than alive from the long exposure from the watery element. Mr. Fred Steinmeyer heard the roaring waters and opening the door — the bottom of which was two feet from the ground — the waters rushed in with such force it would be madness to attempt to get out that way. Pushing the clapboards aside, thus making a hole in the roof, he climbed on top of the house, where with his wife he remained till all danger was past. Mr. Moettcher, a near neighbor, seeing them on the roof, and be- ing determined to rescue them from their perilous position, mounted his pony and dashed into the seething, roaring waters. Mr. Stein- meyer shouted for him to stay back, that the water was going down, but his voice was unheard. The water was nearly a half mile in width and the roaring noise was terrible. It was ten feet deep in places and six feet deep in the house. Regardless of danger Moettcher urged his pony into the boiling current. But the noble little animal wasn't equal to the occasion. The waves tossed pony and rider about as bub- bles on the crest. The rider went down to rise no more but the pony and two faithful dogs sncceeded in making a landing forty rods below. Three days after the flood Mr. Moettcher's body was found in a drift nearly a half mile below. Near the place under a cedar tree the body was buried. 164 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Some hogs belonging to Mr. Jos. Schutter had been washed four miles by the swift current. Mr. Antone Schewe was on hand ready to render any needed assistance. He was so excited by the terrible scenes that he had failed to notice the fact that he had but one boot on— the other he was carrying in his hand. Mr. Fred Palenske's corn crib, stable and chicken house were washed away and only by wading in the deep water was the family saved from drowning, taking refuge on the high ground in what was later used by Mr. Pauly as a feed lot— entirely surrounded by the seething waters. Mr. Palenske had five hogs weighing 150 or 200 pounds. Seeing nothing of them he supposed they had been swept down stream, as he said, "to New Orleans." But Mr. Zwanziger called and asked if they had looked for tracks in the timber. They hadn't looked, but they would. No tracks were found but some familiar grunts were heard — coming from where? The tree-tops! This may be a Munchausen story, but it is true, nevertheless. The five hogs had been lodged in a . big drift, where they had remained for two days, 38 feet from the ground. Corn was brought and the hogs came down— with a thud, and all in a heap. But no bones were broken and though stunned, after a few moments rest the five hogs ate their corn with a relish born of a two days fast in the tree- tops! The few settlers on Illinois creek and West Branch were also driven out by the flood— some of them escaping from their houses and reaching a place of safety just in time to see the lights go out— extin- guished by the rising waters. Much of their stock and fencing were gone but no lives were lost— for which all were thankful. The waters of the Dragoon and Mission creek were the highest ever known, but, while, in some cases, the houses were surrounded by water, none were washed away and comparatively little damage was done. Some fields of corn in the low bottoms were partly washed out but after the flood much of the corn straightened up and good crops were raised. But for years after the old settlers referred to the high waters of '58 as "The Big Flood." AN OLD-TIME FENCE, MORE FREQUENTLY SEEN THAN ANY OTHER, IN THE EARLY SIXTIES EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 165 Ejection Returns. VOTE OF MARCH 28, 1859. The first general election in Wabaunsee county, Kansas Territory, was held March 28, 1859, with the following result: J. M. Hubbard for Probate Judge 111; G. M. Harvey, Clerk of County Court and Board of Supervisors, 111; Jehu Hodgson, Sheriff 109; Moses C. Welch, Register of Deeds, 111; Robert G. Terry, County Attorney, 111; August Brasche, Coroner, 111; Henry Harvey, County Treasurer, 111; G. Zwanziger, County Surveyor, 111; J. E. Piatt, County Superintendent, 110; S. F. Ross, Auditor, 111. Henry Harvey, J. M. Hubbard and G. Zwanziger canvassed the vote. W. S. Griswold, clerk. C. B. Lines was appointed messenger to convey the returns to the Governor. VOTE OF NOVEMBER 8, 1859. At an election held November 8, 1859, the following vote was cast: Delegate to Congress: Marcus J. Parrott, 121; Sanders W. Johnson, 8. For Councilman (Senator): J. B. Woodward, 121; H. N. Williams, 8. For Representative: Amasa Bartlett, 129. For Probate Judge: J. W. Hubbard, 101. For County Clerk: S. E. Beach, 119. For Sheriff: John Hodgson, 122. For Register: E. C. D. Lines, 125. For County Treasurer: H. W. Selden, 121. For County Attorney: Woodridge Odlin,* 122. For County Surveyor: G. Zwanziger, 124. For County Superintendent: J. H. Gould, 122. For Coroner: A. Brasche, 125. VOTE OF DECEMBER 6, 1859. At an election held December 6, 1859, under the Wyandotte Con- stitution for the election of state, district, county and township officers, the following vote was cast: For Congress: Martin F. Conway, 121; John A. Halderman, 26; Marcus J. Parrott, 5. For Governor: Chailes Robinson, 128; Samuel Medary, 17. For Senator: J. M. Hubbard, 109; Robert Reynolds, 17; Wm. Hoven- den, 11; * Resigned. April, 1861. 166 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. For Representatives: Ernest Hoheneck,* 121; Abner Allen, 101; George W. Churchill, 77; D. M. Adams, 24; Churchill Morris, 24; E. J. Lines, 25; W. H. Mclvinley, 16; Herman Dierker, 16. For Probate Judge: J. M. Hubbard, 1 109; Edward Lower, 10; Wood- bridge Ocliin, 6; Win. Hovenden, 8; Simon Dow, 4. For Clerk of the Court: Edward C. D. Lines, 103; Chas. F. Hotchkiss, 14; S. E. Beach, 8. For County Superintendent: J. H. Gould, 121; Geo. Rulison, 19. For District Judge: Jacob Safford, 93; J. R. McClure, 16; R. A. Wil- son, 14. The following Justices of the Peace were elected: C. B. Lines and W. F. Cotton for Wabaunsee township; Ernest Hoheneck and Edward Lower, Alma: Allen Hodgson and Simon Dow, Wilming- ton; J. W. Mossman and S. F. Ross, Mission Creek. Yote canvassed by Wm. Mitchell, G. Zwanziger and Isaiah Harris. YOTE OF MARCH 6, 1860. At an election held March 6, 1860, the following was the vote: For Commissioner: James W. Blain, 183; James B. Ingersoll, 111; G. Zwanziger, 108; D. M. Johnston, 75; F. Hebrank, 79. For County Assessor: H. M. Selden, 175; Isaiah Harris, 7. ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1860. For Territorial Superintendent: John C. Douglas, 88; J. S. Magill, 3. For County Superintendent: J. H. Gould, 81. For Assessor: H. J. Loomis, 89. Wm. Mitchell, Frank Hebrank .and J. B. Ingersoll were elected County Commissioners. For Territorial Representative, C. B. Lines 76 votes. ELECTION NOVEMBER 5, 1861. For Governor, Geo. A. Crawford, 93; for Sheriff, Jehu Hodgson, 150; for Register, S. R. Weed, 153; for Treasurer, S. E. Beach, 151. For Clerk of Court, J. V. B. Thompson, 113; Jesse B, Allen, 44. For County Clerk, H. M. Selden, 78; G. G. Hall, 73. For County Surveyor, G. Zwanziger, 163; for Coroner, A. Brasche, 163. For Assessor, D. L. Bates, % 114; H. J. Loomis, 45. For District Attorney: A. H. Case, 113; L. DcArthur, 34. For Commissioner: Wm. Mitchell, 115; F. X. Hebrank, 133; J. B. Ingersoll, § 134. * Mr. Hoheneck removing from the district, W. M. Snow was elected to fill vacancy. Election held April 6, 1861. The following are reported in the statutes of '61 as representatives: E. Hoheneck, Abner Allen and E. J. Lines. ■I Resigned, October (i, 1862. G. G. Hail appointed. ■\- Bates dying, J. H. Akin was anpoiuted April 6, 1863. 8 Resigned, and H. D. Shepard appointed January 6, 1863. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 167 For Representatives: J. B. Ingersoll, 105; A. C. Pierce, 125; T. F. Herzog, 146; E. G. Robinson, 60; Tlios. Pierce, 20; Geo. W. Freeman, 20; Geo. Montague, 20. For State Capital: Topeka, 155; Lawrence, 4; Wabaunsee, 3; Manhat- tan, l; Hendrick's Creek, 1. ELECTION NOVEMBER 4, 1862. For Governor: Thomas Carney, 156; W. R. Wagstaff, 16. For Congress: A. C. Wilder, 154; M. J. Parrott, 16. For Senator: S. M. Strickler, 158; L. B. Perry, 12. For Representative: J. B. Ingersoll, 77; D. M. Johnston 93. For Probate Judge: G. G. Hall, 167. For Clerk of Court: S. R. Weed, 109; J. W. Blain, 60, For County Superintendent: J. H. Gould, 162. ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 1863. For Chief Justice: Robert Crozier, 136. For District Attorney: A. H. Case, 85; C. H. Gilchrist, 51. For Representative: D. M. Johnston, 109; Frank Meier, 24. For Treasurer: S. R. Weed, 138; for County Clerk, H. M. Selden,* 131; for Sheriff, Samuel B. Harvey, 138; for Register, S. A. Bald- win, 138; -for Coroner, August Brasche, 137; for Surveyor, Jesse Evans, 137; for Assessor, Wm Krieg, 132. For Commissioner: E. R. McCurdy, 135; Joseph Treu, 136; H. D. Shepard, 134. ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 1864. Lincoln Electors, 163: McClellan Electors: Thos. Moonlight, 50; others 7 each. For Governor: S. J. Crawford, 116; S. O. Thatcher, 63. For Congress: Sidney Clark, 102; Albert L. Lee, 77. For District Judge: David Brockway, 87; John P. Greer, 43; C. R. Gilchrist, 25; John G.Otis, 20. For Senator: William K. Bartlett, 110; Robt. S. Miller, 67. For Representative: H. D. Shepard, 108; G. Zwanziger, 65. For Probate Judge, G. G. Hall, 173; for Clerk District Court, S. R. Weed, 133; for Sheriff, Geo. W. Daily, 90; for County Attorney, T. N. Hamilton,! 43; E. J. Lines,! 41. For County Superintendent: E. R. Twitcheiy 117;Chas. Guild, 36; G. R. Guild, 13. * Died, and S. A. Baldwin apointed July 3, 1865. + Election contested and Hamilton loses by default. % Petition by E. Piatt and 22 others to oust county attorney for drunkenness filed October 2, 1806. § Isaiah Harris appoiuted April 3, 1805 on account of death of E. It. Twitchell. 168 EARLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Canvass of vote deferred to December 19, to hear from soldier vote, but none received. ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 1865. For Representative, H. D. Shepard, 77; for Treasurer, S. R. Weed, 81; for County Clerk, S. H. Fairfield, 81; for Register, S. A. Baldwin, 80; for Sheriff, J. H. Pinkerton, 79; for assessor, G. M. Harvey,* 79; for County Superintendent, Isaiah H arris, t 78; for Coroner, A. Brasche, 76; for Surveyor, G. Zwanziger; for Commissioners, Wm. Mitchell, 77, Henry Schmitz, 80. Wm. D. Ewing, 77. ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1866. For Governor: S. J. Crawford, 245; J. L. McDowell, 12. For Congress: Sidney Clark, 259; Chas. Blain 12. For Representative: H. J. Loomis, 168. D M. Adams, 94. For Senator: Luke F. Parsons, 134; Wm. F. Blakely, 124; W, M. S. Blakely, 5; Abram Barry, 4. For Probate Judge, G. G. Hall, 268; for Clerk of District Court, S. R. Weed, 268; for County Superintendent, Isaiah Harris, 264; for County Attorney, N. H. Whittemore, 262. ELECTION, NOVEMBER 5, 1867. For Representative, Wm. Mitchell, 257; for Sheriff, John H. Pinker- ton, 263; for Treasurers. H. Fairfield, % 232; G. Zwanziger, 47; for County Clerk, S. R. Weed, 279; for Register, S. R. Weed, 278; for Surveyor, S R Weed, 279; for Coroner, A. Brasche, 278; for Assessor, John Harriott, \ 279; for Commissioners, Henry Schmitz, 170; John Copp, 88; H. M. Sanford, 277; Morris Walton, 278. ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1868. For President : Grant Electors, 333; Democratic, 41. For Congress: Sidney Clark, 340; Chas. W. Blain, 42. For Governor: James M. Harvey; 341; Geo. W. Glick, 43. For Senator: J. H. Prescott, 369; R. E. Lawrenson, 19. For Representative: Samuel R. Weed, 262; Wm. Mitchell, 123. For Probate Judge, G. G. Hall, 385; for Clerk District Court, S. R. Weed, 342; for County Attorney, N. H. Whittimore, 303; E. H. Sanford, 68. For County Superintendent: Martin V Allen, || 252; T. M. Allen, 87; S. L. Russell, 33; W. F. Cotton. 12. For Assessor: Ed. Herrick, 144; S. B. Easter, 35; E. Herriott, 35; Allen Hodgson, 25. For a Jail, 171 ; against a Jail, 209. * Kesigned, April 2, 1867. Allen Hodson appointed. t To fill vacancy caused by death of E. E. Twitchell. % Appointed to fill vacancy, January 8, 1868. § April 27, 1868, Ed. Herrick appointed, Harriott not qualifying. II Martin V. Allen belnjr declared a non-resident, T. M. Allen was appointed. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 189 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, (869. Candidates. N g go m 5" O ►-! ro n a o o > s H 3 o Alma g 3 po p n ^ n tel 3 IK 19 20 39 21 39 7 47 17 15 29 234 19 38 20 39 11 48 20 15 48 258 21 39 22 39 11 49 20 15 52 268 21 39 22 39 11 48 29 15 51 266 21 39 22 39 11 49 29 15 52 268 21 39 22 38 11 49 20 15 42 257 21 39 22 39 11 49 20 15 51 267 21 39 20 39 11 49 20 15 49 263 1 29 1 26 1 22 9 10 99 20 11 21 13 10 27 11 15 49 173 20 10 22 12 9 28 11 15 36 163 21 39 19 36 10 45 20 15 51 256 1 28 1 25 1 22 6 10 94 J. H. Pinkerton Ed Herrick S. H. Fairfield.. J. M. Matheny Representative. Sheriff.' Treasurer. County Clerk. Register of Deeds. S. H. Fairfield. County Superintendent. T. M. Allen Surveyor. J. M. Matheny Coroner. A. Brasche Commissioner. Joseph Thoes , E. Piatt J. Copp A. Hodgson "Wm. Mitchell NOTES. Republican convention, Alma, Saturday, October 9. William Mitchell, Wabaunsee, chairman; J. H. Stubbs, Harveyville, secretary. DELEGATES. Alma: Ed Krapp, John Copp, G. W. Watson, Rudolph Arndt, N. H. Whittemore, Louis Muehlenbacher, F. Rickershauser. Wabaunsee: Enoch Piatt, S. A. Baldwin, Wm. Mitchell, Milo Wright. Mission Creek: J. W. Mossman, James Eerriott, J. W. Boyer, T. K. Tomson. Zeandale: Thos. Keenan, J. M. Allen, Oscar Mecham. Wilmington: Jos. Fields, J. H. Stubbs, Allen Hodgson, J. M. Johnson. Central Committee: G. W. Watson; William Mitchell, J. W. Mossman, Thos. Keenan, Joseph Fields. 170 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1870. Candidates. M n o* to p •""■i-l 3 eg ►tf-s i-lO (S o o o - en q_ o n> P a p r * r* W r* ** W 37 25 62 42 89 105 47 30 20 15 25 2 12 5 10 37 24 63 42 89 96 47 29 20 14 25 3 2 12 5 10 61 29 64 41 67 106 48 30 20 17 61 29 64 51 91 107 48 29 20 23 58 20 64 50 92 76 13 11 20 23 56 30 60 30 26 33 34 15 6 16 5 2 24 66 74 13 15 19 7 61 27 64 50 92 104 44 29 20 24 50 27 61 41 89 106 47 30 20 15 Congressman. D. P. Low R. C. Foster Governor. J. M. Harvey , Isaac Sharp Representative. J. H. Pinkerton Probate Judge. G. G. Hall Superintendent. R. M. Tunnell* County Attorney. N. H. Whittemore J. T. Keagy Clerk Dist. Court. K. G. Mossman Senator. J. H Prescott 472 54 461 57 483 523 427 306 225 ♦Resigned October 3, 1871, to take effect November 1. NOTES. Republican convention, Alma, September 5. G. W. Watson, chairman; S. A. Baldwin, secretary. DELEGATES. Alma: E. Krapp, A. Sellers, Jos. Treu, H. Grimm, A. Dieball, Wm. Home, G. W. Watson, John Hess, J. P. Gleich. Newbury: John Winkler, J. H. Durham, R. H. Moser, C. C. Stalker, J. E. Horn. Wabaunsee: S. A. Baldwin, G. S. Burt, B. C. Benedict, Wm. Mitchell, E. Piatt, G. G. Hall. Mission Creek: Ed Morehouse, E. M. Hewins, S. Sower, C. Little, Thos. Barker. Wilmington: M. Walton, P. A. Green, H. C. McKee, H. C. Tapscott, John Fields, John Barlow, Wm. Prothrow. Zeandale: W. Stewart, J. M. Allen, T._ Keenan, J. H. Williams. No other convention held. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 171 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1871. Candidates. ►3 o S Representative. W C. C. Little 365 Treasurer. 410 H. CMcKee., 395 County Clerk. G. W. Watson 411 354 Sheriff. 400 W County Superintendent. W. F. Cotton 40S 362 Coroner. 400 368 Register Deeds. S.H.Fairfield S99 R. G. Mossman S7S Surveyor. D. R. Alden 405 366 R. R. Assessor. 215 m Commissioner 1st District. 145 101 NOTES. Republican convention, Alma, Tuesday, October 10. The following candidates were nominated: representative, C. C. Little; treasurer, H. C. McKee; clerk, J. M. Matheny; sheriff, John Herriott; county superintendent, S. L. Russell; coroner, John Zenner; register deeds, R. G. Mossman; surveyor, D. R. Alden; R. R. assessor, S. S. Cooper. On October 17, the following "People's Ticket" was nominated: representative, J. M. Johnson; treasurer, Chas. Ross; clerk, G. W. Watson; register deeds, S. H. Fairfield; surveyor, G. Zwanziger; coroner, C. S. Montgomery: county superintendent, W. F. Cotton. No tabulated statement of votes for this year was kept by the county clerk. Neither does such a statement appear in the only newspaper published. 172 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1872. Candidates. > K 3 hj * B J2 in Pj P) p n >-! PJ i-i a P re i-i 3 re p w pr a o 0> re 69 41 17 19 80 57 8 4 7 15 64 42 17 20 79 60 10 4 7 14 53 8 15 16 39 71 46 3 11 56 118 43 19 20 66 5 2 4 1 6 22 1 125 51 21 27 95 64 51 2 20 29 61 19 7 67 115 48 19 19 84 8 2 2 8 7 105 SO 20 12 24 15 1 17 4 1 14 3 4 1 67 g ^ g pj pi ti n H4. p R oq W o 3 O r* 5' crq O 3 u 0) re Q "J re re re O P Itf W F 40 79 25 57 54 23 11 3 9 8 12 11 17 77 23 55 54 23 32 5 10 8 11 11 19 79 15 42 30 13 30 3 19 22 36 21 21 26 17 36 19 8 20 8 12 5 10 24 8 48 11 3 35 40 81 33 59 67 34 38 83 26 57 48 25 11 7 5 18 9 37 78 26 42 37 22 11 3 6 11 27 12 10 7 16 19 7 30 21 60 12 36 46 3 4 15 1 8 1 3 g 3 1 President. Grant Electors — Greeley Electors Governor. T. A. Osborn T. H. Walker Senator. C. S. Martin H. D, Shepard Representative. A. Sellers J. M. Bisbey E. H. Sanford Probate Judge. G.G.Hall Clerk Dist. Court. R. G. Mossinan A. W. Gregory County Superintendent. W. S. McCormick I. Harris County Attorney. J. T. Keagy W. A. Doolittle E. H. Sanford S. R. Weed 94 40 632 218 420 401 522 125 131 814 . 579 i 342 673 12 376 1282 44 88 444 382 19 391 337 552 94 NOTES. There being" but one newspaper published in the count}'' in 1872, and there being - no copies of the one paper on file in the State Historical Society covering the campaign period of that year, notes relative to the convention held are not obtainable. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 173 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1873. > DO 3 |-t 5 2 3 B < W g a $ 2 ►3 g Candidates. 2 B TO Q a if ►1 3 o i-t rt> o W Q M (S * Of P 3 S» P 3 3 o o 3 O P 3 rt- B 5" p 00 3 o 3 b o P (a O n W T> CD M o w ■n FT o O 7t P Representative. A. Sellers lai 9 11 ia 3V 37 4 79 10 13 60 20 24 lb 8 14 12 486 2r>8 A. M. Reed 2 3 5 2 21 1(5 11 26 36 2 2 80 16 20 36 228 Treasurer. Chas. Ross 123 9 18 17 38 39 30 97 27 39 103 22 31 47 25 41 46 752 752 Sheriff. B. Hoskinson 110 9 11 12 se 19 21 77 17 13 59 17 21 15 7 13 13 479 203 J. Fields 13 7 5 i 20 9 19 5 26 41 5 10 32 17 23 34 267 County Clerk. G. W. Watson 121 9 IS 17 38 39 80 94 27 39 102 22 31 47 2b 41 4r> V4h 74b Register of Deeds. S. H. Fairfield 105 9 11 l« 35 22 fi (52 15 4 65 17 15 7 14 17 13 433 129 1? 7 3 16 23 83 8 34 37 5 15 40 10 21 35 304 Clerk Dist. Court. W. A. Doolittle IIS 9 18 17 38 38 28 87 28 39 102 22 31 47 25 40 46 730 780 Surveyor. G. Zwanziger 119 9 16 17 38 39 30 96 28 39 103 22 31 47 25 39 47 74b 74b Coroner. 115 5 18 1(5 29 39 8 15 2o 12 90 22 21 10 13 439 439 Commissioner. Jos. Thoes 99 2 4 12 36 38 1 192 lib Robt. Fix 23 7 18 4 '> 1 27 77 J. W. Crandall 27 44 26 28 47 172 1V2 A. E. True 79 9 26 49 21 184 85 A. Pnillips 17 16 13 S3 99 NOTES. People's Mass convention held in Alma, October 2, 1873. P. A. Green, chairman; C. S. Montgomery, secretary. The following ticket was nominated: representative, A. M. Reed: treasurer, Chas. Ross; clerk, G. W. Watson; sheriff, Joseph Fields; register, N. W. Dressie; surveyor, G Zwanziger; clerk court, W. A. Doolittle; coroner, Henry Schmitz; commissioners, J. R. Fix, A. E. True and J. W. Crandall. At the republican convention the same ticket was nominated except: A. Sellers for representative; S. H. Fairfield for register of deeds and B. Hoskinson for sheriff. 174 EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1874. Candidates. > p 3 p p !2! 3 re »1 p 2 O p 3 c i-( w 3 GO ^ O to l-( o> to to ft Governor. T. A. Osborn J. C. Cusey Congressman, W. R- Brown J. K. Hudson Senator. C. S. Martin T. K. Tomson Representative. S. A. Baldwin Wm. Mitchell Probate Judge. G. G. Hall Clerk Dist. Court. Percival Hawes — ; W. W. Cone County Superintendent W. S. McCormick P. W. Kroenke County Attorney J. T. Keagy C. A. Stringnam , 122 23 49 54 37 42 14 13 23 13 24 13 125 21 67 49 45 37 11 16 23 13 23 14 109 34 67 42 21 62 11 16 11 21 16 18 82 65 68 46 41 42 13 14 19 17 22 15 L45 113 78 26 35 37 126 20 70 40 32 48 12 15 13 22 14 22 29 116 72 39 36 47 13 13 13 22 14 145 3 71 37 22 61 16 11 15 20 16 20 22 38 5o 3S< 34 ■22 7 439 1J335 760 226 104 760 67 18 I9G NOTES. Republican convention, Alma, October 8. Mr. E. N. Morehouse, chairman: J. P. Evans, secretary. Nominations: S. A. Baldwin, representative; G. G. Sail, probate judge; Percival Hawes, clerk district court; W. S. McCormick, county superintendent; J. T. Keag"y, county attorney. Reform convention, Alma, Friday, October 9. H. A. Stiles, chair- man; L. A. Knapp, secretary. Nominations: Wm. Mitchell, representative; G. G. Hall, probate judge; W. W. Cone, clerk district court; F. W. Kroenke, county superintendent; C. A. Stringham, county attorney. early history of wabaunsee county, kan. 175 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1875. Candidates. w H n O W P n / "i re re !* Representative. S. A. Baldwin Joseph Treu Treasurer. Joseph Fields Walter Ross Register of Deeds. S. H. Fairfield County Clerk. G.W.Watson Wm. Mitchell Sheriff. B. Hoskinson Clerk Dist. Court. A. W. Gregory County Superintendent. W. E. Richey ■ Surveyor. S. R. Weed W. T. Mahan Coroner. T. N. Watts Commissioner. J. R. Fix Wm. strassen W. E. Little G. W. French J. R. Gross H. Fauerbach 78 36 2 32 37 13 23 30 411 38 fi? 32 5 40 30 38 68 38 71 38 71 28 8 3-1 37 38 71 26 12 33 31 78'J 7S.i 16 158 780 196 800 808 779 241 767 6 17 117 NOTES. Republican convention, Alma, Thursday, September 16. A. Sellers, chairman; Geo. W. French, secretary. The following" candidates were nominated: S. A. Baldwin, repre- sentative; Joe. Fields, treasurer; S. H. Fairfield, register deeds; G. W. Watson, county clerk; B. Hoskinson, sheriff; A. W. Gregory, district clerk; W. E. Richey, county superintendent; S. R. Weed, county surveyor; T. N. Watts, coroner; J. R. Fix, W. E. Little and J. R. Gross, commissioners. People's convention, Germania Hall, Alma, October 12. J. M. Lingfelter, chairman; H. A. Stiles, secretary. Nominations: Joseph Treu, representative; Walter Ross, county treasurer; S. H. Fairfield, register deeds; Wm. Mitchell, county clerk; B. Hoskinson, sheriff; A. W, Gregory, clerk district court; W. E. Richey, county superintendent; T. N. Watts, coroner; W. T. Mahan, surveyor; Wm. Strassen, G. W. French and J. R. Gross, commissioners. 176 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1876. Candidates. S3 2 3 i-i W - ^ If B CO o ft >-t rt> M a CO ID m W o SJ 1 t* 20 57 14 22 29 IS 728 19 10 40 9 17 7 275 20 56 14 23 29 16 725 19 11 40 11 17 7 284 18 28 10 13 21 8 550 21 36 44 21 22 15 434 39 66 54 34 46 26 1005 20 32 13 24 4 5 544 19 35 41 10 42 14 457 16 24 9 11 14 14 534 23 40 45 22 32 11 450 39 67 53 33 46 18 990 20 51 22 25 11 21 591 19 15 32 9 35 4 398 36 67 53 34 44 26 984 17 20 14 17 26 18 537 21 1 37 15 20 2 28! 45 2 2 161 President. R. B. Hayes S. J. Tilden Congressman, Thos. Ryan S. J. Crawford Governor. Geo. T. Anthony John Martin Judge. J. G. Morton Senator. O. H. Sheldon D. B. Burdick Representative. E. N. Morehouse Jos. Treu Probate Judge. G. G. Hall Clerk Dist. Court. H. G. Licht E. D. Rose County Superintendent. W. E. Richey County Attorney- W. A. Doolittle W. F. Cotton .. E. H. Sanford 1453 i 441 116 87 84 193 256 NOTES. Republican convention, Alma, Wednesday, September 27. Enoch Piatt, Wabaunsee, chairman; W. H. Warren, Maple Hill, secretary. The following' nominations were made: representative, E. N. Morehouse; probate judge, G. G. Hall; clerk court, H. G. Licht; county superintendent, W. E. Richey; county attorney, W. A. Doolittle. Mass convention, Alma, October 7. G. S. Kneeland, Keene, chairman; Warren Scofield, Alma, secretary. Nominated Joseph Treu for representative and W. P. Cotton for county attorney. Endorsed G. G. Hall for probate judge and W. E. Richey for county superintendent. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 177 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1877. CANDIDATES. > 5 p eg 1 E o 3 n tB a a is 5" 2 Q O 9 o » -i -i •< < | o H a a a CD (P w 2 5" CD 3 a i a a * c -! 4 :r E 3 a ps =5 2 9 5 a ►3 o CO » o on County Clerk. T.N. Watts 85 8a 54 89 57 86 63 SO 53 85 55 85 58 84 1 15 3 33 21 1 6 1 47 1 24 I k 14 15 5 15 26 61 19, 32 1 15 10 2 ! 10 25 66 23 ' ai 25 . 11 ' 16 20 27 11 . 9 22 14 27 12 1 1 651 i>s as fift irw | 46 12 42 17 45 14 46 13 i 46 13 47 13 41 514 27 438 38 447 30 511 41482 28 481 39 572 30 392 1 42 483 27 457 76 J. T. Ceajry County Treasurer. A. L. McNair 16 64 17 67 12 63 18 65 16 67 13 27 17 43 £ ' 23 22 60 84 29 22 42 Vi 27 16 57 9E 25 27 65 15 1 27 13 64 1G 24 30. 37 12 24 22 58 87 27 21 45 I Jos. Fields 64 Sheriff. 1). M. Gardner, 1 51 39 14 13 37 '50 54 1 23 8 16 2 2; 2 21 1 23 18 14 32 62 16 49 24 26 18 14 22 62 1 18 17 22 59 1 16 15 23 S6 . .' 12 25 ss 1 C. Zehner Register. S. H. FalrfieM Ch is. Robs County Surveyor. J. B Etster W.T, Maban 1 29 6 18 2 27 10 20 17 35 11 34 11 36 ISO 32 Coroner. Geo. Koenig Commissioner. Jasner Holmun L. Pauly 26 23 26 21 1 57 100 46 14 39 491 16 30 475 I 100 ... 260 160 G. W. PYeneh .... 11 33 36 9 66 15 31 36 21 18 164 68 96 239 135 58 105 41 3! 45 5 17 35 102 NOTES. Republican convention Thursday, October 4: J. H. Wabaunsee, chairman; M. W. Janes, Maple Hill, secretary. Gould, Two Alma delegations— origin of Watson and Sellers factions. Watson delegation H. Schmitz, chairman, seated. Sellers delegation led by W. H. Lyons bolted the convention, chairman and secretary going out with bolters. Convention was reorganized with H. McKee chairman and, G. W. Greenwood, secretary. Bolters repaired to Mc- Elroy's store and elected J. C. Henderson chairman and C. C. Little secretary. Extra mill tax alleged to be assessed for banking purposes the leading argument used in the campaign. The candidates first named were nominated by the Sellers convention. 178 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1878. Candidates. Governor. J.P. St. John J. R. Goodin Congress. Thos. Ryan J. B. Fug-ate Senator. L. E. Finch D. B. Burdick Representative. C. O. Kinne L. J. McCrumb G. S. Kneel and Probate Judge. G. G. Hall G Zwanziger County Attorney. J. M. Matheny W. A. Doolittle Countv Superintendent. W. E. Richey Matt. Thomson District Clerk. W. H.Lyons H G. Licht Commissioner. A. Schewe L. Pauly I;li r>:> ;-.K (it) 67 54 IS 31 30 2<> Tj ft! 1-3 Sgj o 99 n err w o B ~ IS (D n> rt> » jr 19 19 (540 2lfi 19 20 424 37 25 820 558 1 16 292 1 38 19 788 474 16 15 314! 7 3 437 ;w 40 6(54 237 15 8 88 20 7 607 46 :u 43 561 20 7 496 34 43 654 158 20 10 475 24 41 692 217 20 8 538 34 43 647 109 2:> 10 152 32 41 273 121 NOTES. Greenback convention, Thursday, August 1. H. A. Stiles, chair- man; John Sudweeks, secretary. The following nominations were made: G. S. Kneeland for repre- sentative; J. M. Matheny, county attorney; Matt. Thomson, county superintendent; G. G. Hall, probate judge and district clerk (nomina- tion declined by Judge Hall). Republican convention, Thursday, October 10. (Sellers Faction). C. B. Lines, chairman: A. F. Wade, secretary. The first named candidates were nominated at this convention. Opposition convention, Monday, October 15. (Watson Faction). Ed. Herrick, chairman; P. Hawes, secretary. In the call "all qualified electors without regard to party" were invited to participate in the convention. Democratic convention, Saturday, October 19. Joseph Treu, chair- man: C. H. Thompson, secretary. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. J 79 Wabaunsee Coun ty Election Returns , 1879 • Candidates. > g < a D* ?s C r, CD 3> as a cd W 5T 5" 3 Q —. a a 7? 9 D O ►a po jq o o 3 3 | 3 B B o s CD CD H o K a CD CD ?? -2 3 CD ■I! «■ -5 V a o ■=9 9 >* S CD 1 2 o CD CD jr c B E o 2. n Of Clerk. 138 43 112 16 33 24 69 77 40 11 65 3 79 6 48 7 14 22 40 20 42 18 16 10 32 34 9 67 8 838 274 564 A. J. Ward Treasurer. Chas . Rosa 153 28 S3 89 g 169 14 ItiO 13 8 111 11 58 67 2 116 13 48 69 ur 31 25 17 22 18 17 40 20 7 30 79 64 40 95 12 41 102 60 45 41 54 8 26 27 9 51 10 39 12 10 03 4 65 3 66 1 57 8 2 70 5 20 64 1 67 16 40 40 5 48 3 27 26 1 52 3 28 21 3 25 7 7 19 8 26 9 10 17 9 49 11 36 12 10 49 11 38 10 12 58 2 53 3 4 41 19 38 4 16 25 1 1 23 2 18 8 15 3 7 30 2 15 17 25 7 25 7 34 9 15 28 2 30 15 31 9 5 69 6 1 73 1 70 5 65 6 4 899 186 464 5tis 79 838 273 674 271 152 713 Wm. Strasen Register. T. A. Eidv... S. H, Fairfield 104 T. R. McBlroy Sheriff. D M.Gardner John Mock 565 Surveyor. W.T. Marian../. J. B. Easter 403 Coroner. J. P. Brown M. F. Trivett 166 7 12 30 27 81 65 50 11 64 3 82 8 52 3 25 11 32 28 33 26 22 2 32 33 3 56 18 875 219 656 Commissioners. G. W. h>ench 59 8 72 9 13 3 35 17 1 14 42 14 3 203 85 52 151 NOTES. Copies of newspapers not on file with historical society— hence dates of conventions held could not be obtained. First named candidates were nominated at a Republican conven- tion held sometime in October. Last named candidates — except commissioner — nominated at Democratic mass convention. Being an off year the campaign was quiet from the beginning. 180 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN, Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1880. Candidates. > 3 it; 8S s 3 rd Be 1 5" BE 2 CD a a "■3 « CO 7T S 03 V c 3 G) (B CD ?r a n EC P CD cr c as. c o s a c o ft a -. CD CD W c 3 CD CD "• 5. I 3 K W o B 3 CD Ed 5 BS 5 9 CD "3 4 Senator. L. E. Finch !l21 H. D. Shepard 100 Representative L. J. McCrumb 172 Geo. W. Thompson 42 A. H. Stiles 7 ProbateJud J. T. Keas?y 149 G. G.Hall I 5 A. W. Gregory 17 County Attorney. G. G. Cornell 198 H. A.Pierce ,.... 12 E. R. Sanford 4 County Superintendent Matt Thomson 159 W. E.Richey | 54 Clerk of District Court H. G.Licht 155 59 7 W.H.Lyons 0. A. Reid.. Commissioner. F. L. Raymond S. S. Blyton 36 23 72 101 59 51 90 67 42 4 1 43 83 29 9 49 4; 66 74 11 37 25 I 97 81 34 90 25, 53 20 42 39 12 16 188 64 32 14 4j 3 146 42 67 1 29 29 12 142 74 77 10 148 58 ... 64 86 23 91: 41 123 46 56 19 111 ] 51 35 104 25 32 7 153 46 13 9 18 7 95' 40 78. 24 118 55 28! 2 44! 11 152 35 748 1022 118 1254 30. 423 10 58 100 1145 44 455 18 293 I 62 1247 22 237 72 221 111 1220 40 519 123 1252 14 239 22 S03 174 831 590 701 949 284 NOTES. Republican convention held Thursday, October 7; J. H Gould, Wabaunsee, chairman; L. E.'North, Eskridge, secretary. Democratic convention Friday, October 8; L. Pauly, Alma, chair- man; R. A. Wald, secretary. Greenback convention Saturday, October 23. The interest of the Republican convention was centered on rep- resentative—Mr. L. J. McCrumb and Mr. Alden E. True, being the contestants. The former was regarded as belonging to the Watson faction and Mr. True to the Sellers faction. In forecasting the strength of the two factions there appeared to be a majority of four in favor of the Sellers side, thus assuring the nomination of Mr. True. When the vote was taken Mr. McCrumb was declared the nominee. The ballot on superintendent resulted as follows: W. E. Richey, 34; A. F. Wade, 22: E. Newby, 10: blank 1, giving Mr. Richey the nomina- tion by 1 vote. The vote on president: Garfield, 1279; Hancock, 510. For governor: John P. St. John, 1032; Edmund G. Ross, 697. For congress: Thos. Ryan, 1250; Wade McDonald, 502. Forjudge: John T. Morton. 910; Jacob Safford, 831. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. STUEWE BROS.' CREAMERY, 1892. LUTHERAN CHURCH DEDICATION, TEMPLIN, SEPTEMBER 20, 1891. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. DOUBLE ARCH BRIDGE— FOUR MILES SOUTH-WEST OF ALMA EVANGELICAL Cni'RCn. WELLS CREEK. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ALMA SALT-WORKS IN 1874. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 15. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 2. 3 • r \ -f \ 1 .1 (I ' — : ,. '<■ n II . ItWpu SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 45. SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, Mill Creek Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNT Y, KAN. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 23, Kock Creek. UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Eskridge. RESIDENCE OF MR. WM. HORNE, Alma. VIEW OF KANSAS RIVER, from the Andy Wilson place. WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH, Keene. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 48. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. BAPTIST CHURCH, ESKRIDGE. ^^L ''^' !► /'■< """ 1 . ■ - , ~ ^. v " «a | 1 f M. E. CHURCH, ALMA, 1880. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ALMA. EVANGELICAL CHI Ri'll, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. WEST SIDE SOUTH KANSAS AVENUE, Alma. WEST SIDE SOUTH MISSOURI STREET, Alma. LUTHERAN CHURCH, PARSONAGE, AND SCHOOL, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. BAPTIST CHURCH, Plumb Township. SCHOOLHOUSE AT WILMINGTON. A BAND OF POTTAWATOMIE INDIANS IN ALMA-1881. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. M. E. CHURCH, ALTA VISTA. ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE, MAPLE HILL. MR. W. S. ISHAM'S STORE, MAPLE HILL. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ONE OF -'UNCLE SAM'S KIDS. Mr. Ira Hodgson, of Frisco, Ok. MRS. WALPURGE DAUM, Alma, 1870. COVENANTER CHURCH, ESKRIDGE. CHRISTIAN CHURCH, ESKRIDGE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. SOHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 9. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 66. Stone School-house. Falk School Building. Old School Building. Keene School Building. THE ALMA CITY SCHOOLS. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 181 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1881. Candidates. Treasurer Ohas Koss G. Zwanziuer . . Register of Deeds. fcl. H. Fairfield Joseph Fields County Clerk. D. M. Gardner W. A. DoulitUe T.N. Watts D. V. Dowd Slieriff. H. J. Pippert W. T. DeArmond .. ., J. E. Anderson H. F. Hoskiuson G. A. W.,ods Purveyor. W. T. Malum W. D. Denis Coroner. E. W. Eldridiae Wm. Johnson J. C. M-Elvain Uummissioiier, Geo. Mo^y;e B. H. Y"ounk<>r H V. Gleason 223 10 27 6 18 21 35 62 8 26 41 4 30 65! 69 263 4 21 52: 3' 11 3 10 33 25 5 39' 27j 42 16, 20 30 7 77 18 55 56 38 | 26 74 1 1 17; 43 137 84 139 85 1071 347 71 lli 078 492 387 317 230 47(1 280 357 148 ir,:; 827 568 832 303 205 501 265 139 724 28 105 113 259 529 501 126 NOTES. Republican convention, Thursday, September 7. H. A. Pierce, Newbury, chairman; JD. C. Robinson, Mission Creek, secretary. B. F..Hoskinson was nominated for sheriff on the eighth ballot. At this convention Chas. Ross was nominated for treasurer; D. V. Dowd for county clerk; Jos. Fields for register of deeds; W. T. Mahan for surveyor; E. W. Eldridge for coroner, and Geo. Mogge for com- missioner 1st district, and B. IT. Younker commissioner 2nd district. Among other claims it was urged that all the candidates nom- inated, except for sheriff, were residents of Alma. This, with other reasons, led to the calling of a mass convention. The claim that the convention was packed in the interest of certain candidates led to the announcement of several independents— making the contest a com- plicated free-for-all race — the divided vote requiring— in case of clerk or sheriff— but a comparatively small number to elect. 182 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1882. Candidates. Governor. Geo. W. Glicfc, D John P.St. John, R Congressman, 4th Dst. Thos. Ryan, R John C. Cannon, D Rep resentative. L. Pauly, D Joseph Little. R Probate Judge. John Keagy, R Clerk Dist. Court. H.G. Licht, R County Attorney. G.G.Cornell.R E. H. Sanford, D County Superintendent. Matt Thomson, D K. Newby.R Commissioners. J. W. Core, lnd R J. C. Henderson, R 138 101 42 1076 459 1657 1655 1151 52a 1072 625 257 617 12 626 417 NOTES. Eepublican convention held at Alma, Thursday, September 28. Henry Rickel, Eskridge, chairman; G. Zwanziger. Alma, secretary. The question of resubmission was the controlling issue in the contest for state officers, resulting in the election of the first dem- ocratic governor since the admission of Kansas as a state. The same issue resulted in the election of Mr. Pauly for representative. The question of rotation in office— the feeling that Wilmington was entitled to the commissioner— was made manifest at the polls- resulting in the election of Mr. Core. Mr. Henderson having accepted the nomination under protest and against his best iudgment, and that only upon the earnest solicitation of his friends, was perhaps among the least disappointed at the result. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 183 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1883. Candidates. District Judge. John Martin, D W.C Webb, E County Clerk. H.G. Licht, R D, M. Gardner. K Register of Deeds. S. H. Fairfield, K P. F. A. Schwartiiig, R. County Treasurer. Joseph Fields. R Wm. Neiswender, D Sheriff. H. J. Pippert, R Surveyor. W.T. Mahan, R Coroner. E. W. Weems. R Commissioner, A. B.True, R 46 1247 427 1126 562 eyr 60 1673 60 1624 60 1605 . . 421 820 564 297 NOTES. Republican convention held at Eskridge, October 1 6. Enoch Piatt, "Wabaunsee, chairman. W. A. Doolittle, Eskridge, secretary. Democratic convention held at Eskridge, October 23. At the Republican county convention the following nominations were made: For County Clerk, H. G. Licht. For Register, P. F. A. Schwarting. For Treasurer, Joseph Fields. For Sheriff, H. J. Pippert. For Surveyor, W. T. Mahan. For Coroner, E. W. Weems. For Commissioner, A. E. True 184 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1884. Candidates. President. Blaine, R Cleveland, D Governor. John A. Martin, R Geo. W. Glicis, D Congress. Thos. Ryan, ft S. N. Wood.D benator. Geo. S. Green, R H. A. Pierce, lnd. ft Representative. Robt. McClelland, ftesub. 1*'. L. Raymond, R Clerk Dist. Court. T. S. Spielrnau. ft Probate Judge. John T. Keagy, R County Superintendent. Matt Thomson, D E, Newny. R County Attorney. E. H. Sanford. D W. A. Doolittle, E..... ... Geo. G, Cornell, A. A. Graham, Commissioners. ... Geo. Mugge. 1> Horace Caul, ft 58 7 66 66 52 w6, 14 20 f.o I IVt Cfl lOK i:s5 10T 121 lu'; ;js 13 90 32 42 14 8 li'.V 31 ! 26,' 252 1538 77 1 799 1123711362 88101 46 46N 99 26 261 55 74 221 113 !24 214 337 335 145 169 99 213 12 1041 1576 756 1325 947 1168 1223 2371 2381 1365 1011 910 936 461 58 471 351 739 321 S20 378 354 120 NOTES. Republican convention Thursday, September 4. Democratic mass convention on Friday, October 17. Resubmission convention held on the same day. Colored voters held convention October 24. Mass convention nominated Robt. McClelland for representative, E. H. Sanford for county attorney, J. J. Mitchell probate judge, J. C. Henderson clerk of district court, and endorsed H. A. Pierce for state senator, Matt Thomson for county superintendent, and Ceo. Mogge for commissioner. Nominees for probate judge and clerk of court de- clined nominations. Resubmission was the declared issue in this campaign. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 185 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1885. Candidates. District Judge, R. B. Spillman K Ellis Lewis,... County Treasurer. G.S. Burt, R Jos. Fields, County Clerk. H. G. Lieht, R Geo. W. French, Register of Deeds. J. C.Collins, R J.C.Henderson, Sheriff. J. M. Russell, R W. T. DeArmond, ..,. . D. M. Gardner, K. Shumate J. C Pippert, burveyor. W. D. Deans, R W. T. Mahan, Coroner. J. C. McBlvain, R C. J. Sawyer, Commissioner, A. F. Wade. R S. G. Cantrill 13 123 29 109 37 20 27 33 26 105 43 23 28 27 20 77 42 30 60 28 28 49 26 22 86 42 19 91 37 18 9 15 5 20 29 10 1 2 30 71 46 12 65 24 2 4 1 46 132 69 26 106 38 21 23 30 58 17 107 104 1031 1043 891 1169 995 1158 809 1239 759 356 451 267 27 1103 950 334 1749 401 317 12 278 163 430 308 153 1415 84 NOTES. Republican convention, Wednesday, September 23. Mr. A. F. Thayer, Maple Hill, chairman; Mr. J. B. Fields. Alma, secretary. Democratic county convention called People's Mass convention to meet at Alma, September 26, 1885. Work unsatisfactory, nearly every nominee declining to run. People's Mass meeting called to meet Saturday, October 10. All candidates nominated at the mass convention, except sheriff, surveyor and commissioner, were elected. For the office of sheriff this was a free-for-all race, the lack of statutory provisions relative to the printing of tickets offering in- ducements to independent candidates that under the Australian ballot does not exist. 186 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1886. Candidates. w •i CD 2 1 -<■ S & UC? ? Governor. Joha A. Martin, R Thos. Moonlight, D Congressman, 4th Dst. Thos. Kyau. R John Martin, D Representative. Chas Taylor, R John Clark, D Fred Craft, Ind Probate Judge. J.T. Keagy R A, A. String-ham D Clerk Dist. Court. Theo. S. Spielman, R Wm. Berroth, D County Attorney. J.B.Barnes, R E. H. Sanford, D County Superintendent W. W. Ramey, R MattThomson, D Coroner. E. W. Eldridge, R R. A. Reaburn, D Commissioners. G. W. Greenwood, R.. .. Moritz Hund, D Henry Bieymeyer, lnd. For Amendment Against Amendment 213 53 108 14 62 54 107 87 1 36 53 36 89 107 53 44 34 73 138 131 24 90 1 20 42 :44 1362 916 1307 960 1045 737 513 1467 801 1502 896 1289 952 1124 1160 1418 701 446 222 48 76 466 112 1029 446 347 308 666 606 337 36 717 224 563 NOTES. Republican convention, Saturday, October 2. Mr. H. J. Loomis, Mission Creek, chairman: Mr. A. H. Stiles, Wabaunsee, secretary. Democratic convention. Saturday, October 9. Mr. L. Pauly, Alma, chairman; Mr. E. S. Vance. Harvey ville, secretary. Resubmission being the paramount issue in the campaign. Mr. Crafts was induced to run as an independent candidate— after the nomination of Mr. Taylor — leading democrats assuring Mr. Crafts that their party convention would put forward no opposing candidate. Although prominent democrats having the best interests of their party and the issue at heart, made every effort to bring about the withdrawal of Mr. Clark, other influences (?) seemed to prevail, with the anticipated and inevitable result— the election of Mr. Taylor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 187 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1887. Candidates. B *4 P 3 3 P 2 R K •d P PC © P 3 en Ml a a FT © P 3 P 01 cr 2! o 3 a c & 5 B Q n a a Q CD CD 7T ® D n o 3 a •< 198 32 133 lOfi 63 84 111 73 47 77 86 6 74 162 57 57 44 67 95 175 48 23 65 44 47 98 2 re 60 151 122 105 109 226 93 67 112 79 29 103 261 39 146 75 90 95 166 78 56 78 70 29 94 96 47 44 79 36 82 123 45 15 63 60 24 76 132 29138 102 70 63 195 87 64 90 49 29 78 22a 60 ! 57 51 60 114 94 35 8 47 81 24 97 197 43 149 107 86 98 174 98 63 103 70 25 95 161 46 40 48 44 78 115 25 8 40 60 28 79 334 75 177 119 130 177 224 103 71 129 123 53 166 5 2 10 20 11 19 3 12 5 139 223 29 60 89 50 93 36 41 County Treasurer. J. B. Fields, R F. Stuewe, Iud. R Register of Deeds. J. C. Henderson. R County Clerk. G. W, French, R J. P. Peters, D Sheriff. J. M, Russell, R J H. McMahan, D: burveyor. W. D. Deaus, R Robt. John. D Coroner. E. W. Eldridge. R A. L. Stiers. D Commissioner. Gilbert Anderson. R. .. Jos. Treu, D 77 1148 1033 1609 1325 854 43 1175 68 1013 105 6 1370 821 1810 70 115 1551 471 162 549 1740 83 NOTES. Republican convention, Tuesday, September 27. Mr. John Sud- weeks, Eskridge, chairman; Mr. A. H. Stiles, Pavilion, secretary. No delegates from Kaw or Washington township. Democratic convention, Saturday, October 8. Mr. Geo. W. Thompson, Wabaunsee, chairman; Mr. J. Y. Waugh, Eskridge, sec- retary. The democratic convention made no nomination for register of deeds. In this convention Mr. Stuewe was put forward by the demo- crats for treasurer. As in the campaign of '96 resubmission entered into the contest, especially in the election of sheriff. The News said: John McMahan got right down to business, and we were actually afraid about that record. The man that runs against J. M. wants to be a long way ahead in the start or else be up early in the morning.— D. W. Scott, Ed. 188 EAKLY HISTOKY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1888. Candidates. Presidential Electors. Harrison, R Cleveland, D Congressman, 4th Dist. Thos. Ryan, R David Overmyer, D . Governor. L. U. Humphrey, R John Martin, D Senator, 20th Dlst. John K. Wright, R L.Pauly, D Representative. A.F. Wade, R S. G. Cantrill, D Probate Judge. L. Richards, R B. F.Martin, D County Attorney. J.B.Barnes, R A. A. Graham, D Clerk Dist. Court. Theo. S. Spielman, R. . . . . . Wm. Nels wender, D County Superintendent. W. W. Ramey, R Matt Thomson, D Commissioner. Eli Walton. R E Shumate, D 83 84 62 176 ir,r, 5s 58 62 58 17 15 18 46 200 20,. 214 1708 960 1713 981 1684 1006 1605 1094 1551 114» 1677 1049 1747 942 1720 1006 1696 1020 748 732 678 511 408 634 805 704 676 311 NOTES. Republican convention, Saturday, October 6. Mr. I. D. Gardiner, Alma, chairman; Mr. T. C. Danforth, secretary. Meeting called to order by Mr. A. E. True, chairman county cen- tral committee. Democratic county convention, Saturday, October 13. Mr. A. A. Graham, Eskridge, chairman: Mr. Irwin Boyer, Paxico, secretary. This being a presidential campaign party lines were closely drawn and the result was a sweeping victory for the entire Republican ticket with unprecedented majorities. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 189 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1889. > B SB 5 < p c 2 c 5 2 9 a 71 < R a 3 2 5a 3 a i - a o H3 c 5 is o' Candidates. » c a zf 3 3 . 3 a CO "1 n 3 ? r SB '< » a ~. 3 '. 3 ft — Judge, 35th District. Win. Thomson, R 242 41 IfiO lOfi 174 68 232 89 39 88 81 13 16 101 34 1597 1594 Sheriff. S.E. Hull, R 117 G 134 80 135 34 107 71 33 46 69 7 2 01 01 1056 165 G. W. Leoubardt, D 176 40 1 26 56 85 00 05 85 63 27 12 15 125 49 891 Clerk, unexpired term. C 0. Kinne, R 198 43 153 106 174 56 213 84 35 77 70 14 17 132 7f 1457 1I4K M J. Walton, P 58 2 8 8 21 56 41 8 5 30 10 53 9 309 Clerk, regular term. 0. 0. Kinne; R 207 42 153 11)4 171 55 213 80 35 78 77 14 17 135 92 1479 1168 M. J. Walton, P 57 2 8 8 21 57 41 10 5 30 10 53 9 311 Treasurer, unexpired term. F. Stuewe. R 21 a 41 150 (08 173 55 22! 80 35 si 75 14 17 155 77 1507 123V John Willig, P 45 2 4 3 24 56 26 15 5 28 11 ■••!••• 1 42 9 270 Treasurer, regular term. F. Stuewe, R, an 41 157 IflH 170 5fi 228 70 35 83 75 14 17 152 01 1520 1250 John Willig, P 47 2 4 3 24 56 26 14 o 28 It ...|... 41 9 270 Register of Deeds. J. C. Henderson. R 173 32149 82 168 45 158 81 34 10 67 12 16 no 80 1232 50J G. W. Mallory, D 128 13 10 00 53 77 104 15 ' 94 20 6 1 ! 103 30 730 Surveyor. W. D. Deans. R .. 171 130 24 140 22 20 100 42 173 5 2 48 77 198 66 84 16 31 7 73 41 74 21 4 11 15 6 122 101 08 30 13 '9 660 659 J. H. Jones, D Coroner. 1 Dr. T. H. Hall, R 184 38 155 102 171 48 206 85 34 71 70 13 11 1"2 70 1380 803 58 8 1 40 50 62 54 13 3 43 15 6 6 0' 32 481 Dr. Scheldt, P 42 6 13 4 2 2 6 ...'.. 10 8 96 Com'r, 3d Dist. Wm Mitchell R 147 13 ... fi 5! 71 80 134 346 368 150 . .. ;;;!;;; 22 NOTES. Republican convention, Tuesday, September 24. Malcolm Nicol- son, Alma, chairman ; P. S. Taylor, Grant, secretary. Democratic convention, Tuesday, October 1. L. Pauly, Alma," chairman : Elmer Thompson, Wabaunsee, secretary. Mr. Elmer Thompson and Mr. Fred Zeferjahn, the Democratic nominees for clerk and treasurer, withdrawing from the race, a meet- ing was held at the Riggs (Commercial) house and the names of Messrs. Walton and Willig substituted. Mr. Scheidt was nominated for cor- oner and Messrs. Leonhardt and Mallory endorsed. With the excep- tion of commissioner the entire Republican ticket was elected. The candidates marked "P" were nominated at the Riggs house meptin<2\ WO EAKLY H1STOKY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1890. Candidates. > > < j. 9 7i 1 2 a * 2 3 a < ■< n re 2 00 c a 3 re 3 ? DC : O - I 1 : Governor. Charles Robinson, D J247 J.F. Willits, P 21 L. IJ. Humphrey. R iliO Congressman. John G. Otis, F J209 Harrison Kelley, R j 151 Representative, John Rehrig, F |213 L. J. McCrumb, R !l6l Probate Judge. L, T.Rice, F [100 L, Richards, R J277 County Attorney., J. H. Jones. P J.B.Barnes, R Clerk District Court. H. B. Jones, P Theo. Spielman, R County Superintendent Florence Dickinson, F ... W. W. Uamey. R Com'r, Isl Dist. Joseph Treu, D J. W. Spencer, P Geo. W. Wilson, R. ... . .. co- les 273 181 181 260 26 j 81 1 77 5li 121 49 35103 50 70 39 % 50 71 35 104 56 69 31 104 58 69 33 102 54 70 951 6 99: 126 98! 108 1791129 115111 ISO 130 111! 109 179il45 111! 90 39! 15 110 15 100 1 148: 201 100' 11 i ! 174! 29| 143 21 103! 8 155 28 89 3 10-19 924 1640 1037 1620 107J 1479 1215 547 264 1702; 734 968 j 1351 103 1248 1593 543 1050. 478231 247 1861 NOTES. Alliance convention, Saturday, August 16. Dow Busenbark, Esk- ridge, chairman ; A. M. Jordan, Mill Creek, secretary. Democratic convention, Saturday, August 16. L. Pauly, Alma, chairman ; Matt Thomson, Alma, secretary. Joseph Treu nominated for commissioner, after which convention adjourned to Wednesday, September 3, when all Alliance candidates, ex- cept clerk of court and commissioner, were endorsed. Chas. Sawtell was nominated for clerk but declined. Eepublican convention, Saturday, August 30. Wm. F. Cotton, Wabaunsee, chairman ; W. K. Beach, Grant, secretary. The opposition papers in the county during the campaign referred to the Alliance as the "Line-Back-Steer Party." But the name ap- peared to have no particular effect on the result. At the Democratic congressional convention, held at Emporia, no nomination was made, the Democrats supporting the Alliance candi- date. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. I'll Wabaunsee County Election Returns, !891. Candidates. 3 2 -2 3 5 Register of Deeds. W. B. Small, R L. A. Knapp, A B. F. Martin, D Treasurer. John H. Michaelis, D fj. A. Eberharrit, A. J. W. Boyer, I Sheriff. H.J. PalensUe. R James Cass. A S. E. Hull. I Comity Clerk. C. O. Kinne. R Wra. Treu, A Surveyor, W. D. Deans. R B. Buchli. sr., A Coroner. Dr.T. R. Hall, R Dr. H. R. Schmidt. A.... Com'r. 2d Dist. Eli Walton, R A. Pringle, A 37:112101 135 24.150 71 51 97,109 102| 89 96 91 26 17 1 7! 21 45j 8 231 10 11 IPS 321 123 251 95 62 12410M 9(5108 115] 51 188 66 L18 83100102 10... 2] 91! 78 114; 34 i 1 1 1 : 74 59108 112 87 87| 92 75.25 16 12 91' 3 lis 59132100 10 9?, Ill 34 127 99 36] 98 112 I 26 130101 43 95110 102 106 16 Bl % 93 93 71 98 49 39 • 47 72 52 36 53 53i 84 83 67 fi 109 131 88 3 86 15 194 10: 83 49] 1017 102 17 16fl 4 4> 4 Tuj 21 185 3 101' I 5 126 20]16: 6 174 17 112 945 550' 1413 343 1073 40 1210!o96 814! 42 1456 374 89 108si 51 1262] 80 12771 15 56 1368 201 75 116" 401 1 60 54! * NOTES. Alliance convention held at Alma, Tuesday, September 2± M. W. Janes, Willard, chairman; I. D. Gardiner, Alma, secretary. Republican convention, Saturday. October 3. A. F. Wade. Grant, chairman: W. J. Hinshaw, Harveyville, secretary. Democratic convention, Tuesday, October 13. Henry Pauly. Alma, chairman: Elmer Thompson, Wabaunsee, secretary. The Democratic convention was held in Scheldt's hall. The Republicans having nominated Mr. Michaelis (Democrat) for treasurer, Mr. Boyer (Rep.) announced himself as an independent can- didate. The Democrats made n<> nomination except thai of Mr. B. F. Mar- tin for register of deeds. The mixed political conditions resulted in the election of the can- didates nominated by the Republicans with ihe exception of surveyor. 192 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1892. Candidates. Presidential Electors. Harrison, R ; Weaver, P Biawell, Pro Congressman, 4th Dist. Chas. Curtis. R E. V. Wharton, P Governor. A. W. Smith, R L. D. Lewellins, P Senator, 21st Dist. A. F. Wade, R. A. E.True, P Representative, 46th Dist. Wm. Strowig, R J. Treu, P Probate Judge. L. Richards, R L.T. Rice. P ... Clerk District Court H. G. Licht, R H. B. Jones, P County Superintendent. P. A. Seaman. R G. L. Clothier, P County Attorney. W. A. Doolittle, R J. H.Jones, P Com'r, 3d Dist. H Wertzberger, R M. Hund.P Constitutional Convention For Against 139 49 1021132 125 92 154192 102132 154192 129 50 131 9: 139, 57 124! 85 130 52 131 91 104| 30 150,19! 105145 151 177 101 129 150 1 '.13 99126 15s 1! 18 96118 159 203 106129 150193 301 57 74 112265 59 18 36 170 34 65 32 224 161 121 200 !■■» 110 82 82 43 93 i 45 54 22 96 ' 68 61 89 58 32 103 58 1 78 21 95 69 85 92 84 56 40 ! 3i 91 1356 1525 20 1362 1519 1361 1523 1397 1474 169 162 1352 15251173 1440 1455 1298 1586 130! 1572 1:253 1618 1326 1097 368 365 143 NOTES. Republican county convention, Saturday, August 13 Hiram Ward, Harveyville, chairman ; V. C. Welch, Alma, secretary. People's Party convention, Saturday, August 27. Dow Busenbark, Eskridge, chairman ; D. C. Robinson, Mission Creek, secretary. Democratic convention, Saturday, September 10. People's Party ticket endorsed. A procession a half mile or more in length was one of the unique features of the People's Party convention. The Hendricks Creek drum corps led the procession. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 193 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1893. Candidates. Judge 35th Judicial Dist. William Thomson, R.. . . J. W. Fitzgerald, F County Treasurer. John H. Michaelis, F W. H.Melrose, R Register of Deeds. W. B Small, R A. J.Thoes, F County Clerk. J R. Henderson, It W. O. Gantz, P Sheriff. H J.Palenske, R T.P.Walton. F County Surveyor. Robt. A. Rutledge, R B. Buchli, sr., F Coroner. G.C. Beals, R H. R. Schmidt, P Com'r, 1st Dist. P. P. Johnson, R Wm. Mass, D..... Fred Dierkine, P. P........ 239 80 253 269 53 121 200 128 187 127 •10 155 121 1371 85 771109 109 97 97! 94 14lll8! 97 50| 85 91 91 83 83 212 42183 62.106 53188 49100 63 178 42 109 44185 60 101 47180 56 101 34 80 62 32 20 1393 479 914 1200 1121 82 1236 160 1076 1402 908 1506 820 1104 1198 1093 1158 350 254 277 494 NOTES. Democratic judicial convention, Alma, Monday, October 2. J. W. Fitzgerald nominated. People's Party convention, Alma, August 12. Dow Busenbark. of Eskridge, chairman ; J. W. Spencer, of Alta Vista, secretary. Republican county convention, Alma, Tuesday, September 19. A. F. Wade, Mission Creek, chairman ; A. J. Gleason, Alma, secretary. Democratic county convention, Alma, Saturday, October 7. L. Pauly, Alma, chairman; Matt Thomson, Alma, secretary People's Party candidates endorsed. For treasurer, Republican convention : Ballots 1st. 2d. 3d. W.H.Melrose 54 68 81 W. K. Beach 61 59 61 C. O. Kinne 26 15 C'ountv clerk: 1st. 2d. J. R. Henderson 77 84 W. J. Hinshaw 65 58 194 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1894. Candidates. 2 S Governor. E. N. Morrill, U David Overmyer, D L. W. Lewelling, P Pickering', Pro Congressman, 4th Dist. Chas. Curtis, R T.J. O'Neil, D S. M. Scott, P Representative G. G. Cornell, R Jos. Treu, P Probate Judge. L. J. Woodaro, R J. H. Jones, P .. . Clerk District Court. W. G. Weaver, R Dow Busenbark, P County Attorney. J. B. Barnes, R A. A.Sturges. P County Superintendent C.C.Carter. R Gen. L. Clothier, P Suffrage Amendment. For Against .. Com'r, 2d District. C.N. Earl R G. A. Eberhardt. P 16 191162 40 104 16 141 46 130 140 20 162 35 214 38 82 as 161 18 143 42 40 7 215 47 138 135 8| 19 92 100 10; 1 142 132 112 107 147 151 117 56 80 73 124! 96 J.: 104L. 68 190! 91 57 42 181 4 2 54 102 77 1 35 196; 93 11! 3 108| 79 195 J 95 117J 76 I 194 95 115 76 m! ssi 140! 87! I 194| 89| 110! 81 I 204 I 102 98j 71 127! 89 137! 55 219| 88j 88 I 861 35 74 75 92 68 19 4 17 i 14 16 5 2Sj 13 18) 3 24' 22 129 69 1393 29 6 312 125 69 1049 2 39 124 70 1415 24 8 197 129 65 1043 126 63 1417 151 83 1273 117 67 1340 158 76 1302 153 6 36; 25 115 153 38 13I3J 20 1293 431 2135 1397 1213 276 184 719| 1450i731 488170 318! NOTES. Republican county convention, Tuesday, August 21. W. H. Mel- rose. Eskridge, chairman ; J. B. Fields, Alma, secretary. People's Party convention, Saturday, September 1. bark, Eskridge, chairman : Wm. Treu, Alma, secretary. Dow Busen- The Democrats desired that J. H. Jones should succeed himself as county attorney, and that L. T. Rice should again be a candidate for the office of probate judge, but a resolution against a third term gave the nomination for county attorney to A. A. Sturgis, and J. H. Jones was nominated for probate judge. By reason of the strained relations existing, and the lack of a concert of action, the entire Republican ticket was elected. With Democratic representation on the ticket, or with nominations in accord with the wishes of the Democrats, the re- sult might have been different. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 195 Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1895. Candidates. > 5 ? c 9 3 2 5" 5j =9 c n ■< : 3 3 5' O P 1 a 3 a" o ur n -. a 2 a n a i=3 3 9 P -i o 5 * 9 et W -i p a a CO ■o n B Q T (8 O a -; SO 3 2 ST OB o 3 a ~i n a H £. (X 2 O 5 5' Chief Justice. David Martiu. K... 1 171 137 26 15 1 140 108 149 100 69 42 66 73 57 80 81 62 63 80 90 65 63 65 81 123 26 114 87 103 102 124 75 120 83 138 117 77 125 6S 129 68 112 150 120 134 162 91 122 137 165 127 118 179 74 134 30 160 148 192 99 184 107 195 101 189 169 no 92 7 82 111 104 81 110 80 101 90 121 107 83 57 23 68 88 77 84 51 105 71 S3 88 7f 81 56 24 64 87 77 69 78 65 49 100 88 70 74 24 3 18 40 16 67 13 67 62 59 16 16 B 34 13 26 31 16 10 34 29 28 7 4 6 18 9 IS 16 10 5 20 13 4 17 71 30 73 100 94 77 96 77 S2 90 108 RO 74 32 6 36 37 45 28 47 23 36 32 48 48 22 1185 333 1123 1284 1246 1101 1392 977 1170 1235 1550 1162 R52 Chits, K. Holliday, R Treasurer. VV. H. Melrose, K J. M.Lee, F 161 Register of Deeds. Emma Little, R l«W 125 86 136 79 95 117 138 107 89 121 82 139 Ed. Worsley, F 127 178 103 1*4 148 222 109 167 38 6! County Clerk. J. R. Henderson. R Win, Neiswender, F Sheriff. S.E. Hull. R Wm. Treu. F Surveyor. W. D. Deans, R.. Coroner, G.C. Beals.R 31 27 13 48 32 8 49 n 54 64 59 83 64 57 415 65 54 H. R. Schmidt, F Com'r, 3d District. W, R. Strowi?. R 1108! 490185 I.D. Keyser. F '... 305 NOTES. Republican primaries, Crawford county system, Saturday, Septem- ber 14. People's Party convention, Saturday, September 21. Dow Busen- bark, Eskridge, chairman : Wm. Treu, Alma, secretary. Democratic central committee met Saturday, September 21, and endorsed People's Party ticket. The first, and the last, selection of candidates by the Crawford county system. At Republican primaries there were six candidates for sheriff, three for treasurer, three for register, two for surveyor, two for cor- oner, and one each for clerk and commissioner. At the primaries for sheriff S. E. Hull received 307 votes; J. M. Russell, 170; J. B. Fields, 146; John Thompson. 87: John Cromer, 85: Frank Mossman. 72. For treasurer. W. H. Melrose. 332: J. B. Crumb, 284: W. K. Beach. 196 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1896. Candidates. Presidential electors. Bryan, D McKinley, R [[] Governor. Leedy, D Morrill, R \[ Appellate Judge. Hindman, D Wells, R ...... Congressman, 4th Dist Madden, D Curtis, R '.' State Senator. Stewart, D Hessin, R. [[[ _ Representative. Palenske. D 187 Stuewe, R jl69 Probate Judge. Rowley. D IJ3 1 Woodard, R I " " [901 District Clerk. Core. D I 87 Weaver, R 'l24tj County Attorney. Jones, D Barnes, R .'. Superintendent. Busenbark, D Carter, R Com'r, 1st District. Dierking, D Eck. R 153 3 2 83 .SO 79 129! 120 43 160 20180 40157 20 1 189 421156 171187 79 87 2J1 83 131 207' 40 160 20 186 34 109 781 69 113 110 87 84 70 105 5 96 20 1 99 19 1 92 271 15 28 1 24 . 2 ►3 m et w » o ID B n ~. It 120 226115 136105 195 133 85|U9 253lll2 23<152 36 94 10165 52 131 19 164 42 118 121 72 106; 94 77 119 68 57 108 98 100 115 66 114 101 112 70 113 97 105 15 94 55 j 62 33 102 45 10 90 26 84 1465 1031 1261 1477 1334 1377 411155 37 1562 4111222 38 1517 1272 1403 41 1269 3511359 102 44 475 175 I 72! 31 300 434 216 4Z 407 295 131 90 NOTES. The Democratic judicial convention held at Alma. Tuesday, Sep- tember 14, 1897 ; B. F. Martin nominated. People's Party judicial convention held at Alma, Saturday, Sep- tember 18, 1897 ; B. F. Martin's nomination endorsed. The Republican judicial convention was held at Alma, Wednesday, Aug. 4, Judge Wm. Thomson being nominated without opposition. Republican county convention held Tuesday, September 14, 1897. W. S. Bolton, of Paxico, chairman; Wyatt Rjush, of Harveyville, sec- retary. Democratic county convention held Saturday, September 18, 1897. M. F. Trivett, of Eskridge. chairman ; Oscar Schmitz, of Alma, sec- retary. People's Party convention held Saturday September 18. J. R. Moreland, of Eskridge. chairman; Wm. Pringle. of Harveyville. secre- tarv. 198 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1898. 3 3 3 P a 2 c B S ■3 75 3 3 O gs 3 g ft o o 7T C D5 3 CD 00 =3 CD i 2 o ►3 S o Candidates. CD c 3 a" X c J* Q -3 a DO n '< O X " n ps 3 CD -r o : ►J CD CD — 3 CD — P< Governor. | J. W. Leedy, F 169 50 87 89 89 82 IOC, 78 29 87 57 19 12 21 42 126 34 1174 W. E. Stanley, R.... 173 27 13!) 139 172 83 184 84 38 81 108 20 16 18 43 121 23 1464 290 W. A. Peffer, Pro.... 5 10 1?, ?, 1 15 1 1 1 2 50 Cong., 4th di8t. H. S. Martin, F 143 43 83 87 90 79 106 73 30 82 54 15 10 20 41 117 34 1107 J. M. Miller, R 17!i 21 Us 146 167 82 18S 86 37 87 111 22 14 20 41 124 24 1497 390 Representative. L. Palenske, F. ..... 200 57 92 102 89 8ll 111 77 28 81 65 28 24 24 4(1 123 45 1272 W. M. Rinehart. R.. 136 13 185 13016! 78 182 80 38 86 98 12 7 Hi 41 123 13 1355 83 County Attorney. | H. B. Jones. F 137 12 ua 94 10(1 83 94 82 31 89 59 19 16 19 47 116 SO 1180 C. B. Carroll. R 212 23 119 141 156 84 200 76 3ti 78 107 27 15 20 4(1 129 28(1491 311 County Supt. Dow Rusenbark, F.. ISI 53 110 117 119 98 145 93 33 103 74 24 17 24 54 130 36 1411 152 D. G. Martin, R 166 19 121 121 141 66 154 Bfi 33 68 90 16 12 17 32 115 22 1259 Clerk of Dist. Court. J. W. Taylor. F 130 43 84 81 51 78 121 83 31 KH 51 12 16 21 44 122 34 1140 Wvatt Rousta, R 1S4 22 141 157 108 81 173 74 36 83 107 26 15 19 38 125 24 1460 320 Probate Judg-t . | M. K Anderson. F.. 109 33 71 84 88 71 11(1 73 29 101 46 12 8 19 39 101 2'i 1021 T. S. Spielman, R. .. 'ill 39 156 m 169 90 182 83 36 69 117 30 18 20 46 145 30 1590 569 Coroner. O. E. Webb. F I45 45 84 85 93 79 91 70 28 89 •48 11 10 19 39 134 32 1C98 T. W. Hunt, R 169 1!) 142 143 163 74 205 87 36 78 103 28 13 20 41 111 25 1457 359 Com'r, 3d Dist. Henrv Brevmever.F. 89 88 65 71 lb 328 134 165 83 170 41 592! 265 NOTES. Democratic convention held Saturday, September 3, 1898. J. H. Michaelis, of Paxico, chairman : Oscar Schmitz, of Alma, secretary. People's Party convention held Saturday, September 3, 1898. Wm. Pringle, of Harveyville, chairman ; W. T. Stewart, of Wabaunsee, secretary. Republican convention held Tuesday, September 13, 1898. A. J Skeene, of , Rock Creek, chairman: O. W. Little, of Alma, secretary. J. N. Doiley, of Maple Hill, was nominated for representative by the Republicans, but withdrew and W. M. Rinehart, of Eskridge, was substituted by the committee. In the Republican convention all the nominees were named by acclamation, except coroner and probate judge, there being five ballots for probate judge — Messrs. Spielman, Sudweeksand Richards being the contestants. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. 199 Wabaunsee Coii nty Election Retu rns, 189S . > 3 < CO P 3 2 p "3 p 2 a 3 R 3 c R 00 B" CD 3 5 a CO 3 p R to B! CD QQ n S' p B 2 DO o 2 p o Candidates. c ,-D CD : X o B & b *; O B c Q CD "*t CD 5 P c a CD O Q CD X Treasurer. Jos. LaFontaine, F. 106 91 31 90 100 136 48 110 90 84 47 20 55 48 36 21 66 37 1306 36 Gilbert Stewart, K. YAi 103 13 53 167 113 20 169 131 69 37 20 11 100 15 14 79 34 1270 County clerk. B Buchli, F...... 239 99 31 113 T2fi 173 54 134 98 94 74 28 65 S3 17 30 S2 46 1616 591 0. J. Rose, R 96 95 12 37 lUfi 78 14 156 126 62 18 13 8 70 7 1 68 27 1025 Sheriff. F.J. Prey, K 240 m 32 104 114 178 58 146 103 91 67 23 57 58 34 25 92 43 1545 493 F. M Meredith, R 93 112 12 44 1 43 76 9 :37 118 65 23 13 8 90 19 11 52 27 1052 Register of Deeds. 1 P. Dorian. F (184 ($9 23 75 93 115 42 119 86 87 46 22 4s 45 23 22 7(1 37 1206 D, U. Vtillison, R... 133 122 16 68 164 126 25 169 136 68 42 18 17 102 24 11 76 35 1352 146 Surveyor. i J H. Jones, F .. 20! 90 28 35 90 126 43 121 94 89 48 20 56 52 21 IS 71 40 1243 W. S. Whitlock, R. 129 108 14 115 1671125 25 165 129. 67 39 19 11 95 23 IS 75 32 1351 108 Coroner. ■ 1 H. F. Palenske, F. 229 75 28 8fi 100 129 45 103 93' 88 49 22 56 54 21) 23 68 39 1307 32 T. W. Hum, R 108 112 13 51 157 116 22 18S 131 69 41 18 10 95 23 11 7s 32 1275 Com.. 1st dist. L. T. Kiee, F 15S 162 93 61 76 10 27 13 47 18 62 84 20 27 15 22 498 KM J. M. Rok, K .. $97 NOTES. Republican convention held Tuesday, August 29, 1899. W. S. Bol- ton, of Paxico, chairman ; L. C. Johnson, of Alta Vista, secretary. Democratic convention held Saturday, September 2, 1899. M. F. Trivett, of Eskridge, chairman; P. R. Young, of Eskridge, secretary. People's Party convention held Saturday, September 2. 1899. Wm. Pringle, of Harvey ville, chairman; L. T. Rice, of Halifax, secretary. In the Republican convention there were contests for the office of treasurer, sheriff and register of deeds. For treasurer : 1st ballot. Gilbert Stewart, Maple Hill Fred Crafts, Alma W. E. Little, Mission Creek For sheriff : F. M. Meredith, Eskridge John Cromer, Volland W. Chillson, Alma For register of deeds : P. U. Millison, Chalk W. Gr. Weaver, Alma I II . Hopps. Wabaunsee 44 41 12 1st ballot, 48 28 21 2d ballot. 52 37 8 2d ballot. 56 28 9 1st ballut. 50 44 200 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAS. Wabaunsee County Election Returns, 1900. CO 1 o O: o 5J C* -W SN( N si SJ O <35 ?! o •so j| o 50 l~ cc Li e» -* ! so © eo ac CO CO tN 3 IH K 3 "T -r _; :■ ' s ! 1 - it X = r Candidates. 6 t = r z. C % Si — to £ E < to s 's- a 00 aa — 3 u 5 a ft. tf X > a r. 5 | t ~ 3 6 a "5 Pres. electors. McKinley, r 172 18 27 25 123 197 99 172 35 60 114 179 94 28 76 133 238 1798 532 Bryan, i 168 21 26 45 140 86 89 67 25 38 80 100 82 a 64 52 130 1266 Governor. 1 1 W. E. Stanley, r ... 157 14 24 24 127 193 94*160 31 56 113 172 82 31 73 120 229 1709 402 J.W.Breidenthal, f. 181 19 25 46 139 86 93j 75 21 49 82 105 91 44 Oh 56 138 1S07 Cong, 4th district. . 1 J. M. Miller, r 165 14 25 24 135 188 90:164 31 55 111 174 80 28 71 129 225 1709 445 Thos. H.Grisham, f 169 If 21 44 132 84 88,' 69 24 38 81 104 92 45 64 51 137 1264 State sen. 21st disc. G. W. McKnight, r. 147 14 28 24 133 '86 9l'l64 34 51 111 164 83 29 72 126 220 1683 399 J.W.Lowdermilk, f 183 21 23 43 l.;3 84 87j 70 24 40 8! 107 9(1 45 63 53 137 1284 Hep. 48th District. Jno. Sudweeks, r. . 173 14 28 20 133 188 96161 34 55 94 157 81 29 02 126 192 1649 a>4 Arthur Cate, f 151 17; 23 43 132 82 80, 68 24 40 97 114 91 44 71 52 166 1295 Probate judge 1 Theo. S. Spiel man,r 224 20 33 41 160 227 113172 38 59 109 192 101 .54 75 143 24o! 3006 Clerk district court 1 - I Wyatt Kousli, r 215 19 29 30 145 185 99 145 38 54 106 189 89 41 76 128 228 1816 667 Wm, Bowes, f 101 17 23 36 121 82 80, 91 20 40 84 95 88 39 58 47 131 1149 County attorney. 1 i Fred Seaman, r 303 23 29 43 156 180 96164 38 511105 161 93 52 66 126 202 1790 610 J. R. Moreland, f.. 109 IS 24 21 114 96 88] 63 20 42| 83 113 83 22 7! 53 162 1180 County Supt. ! 158 19 26 36 140 147 84 153 34 54100 185 83 37 71 103 216 1636 296 J. H. Houston, f. .. 158 18 29 37 129 132 93 77 23 40 91 95 90 35 67 79 147 1 1340 Commissioner. 1 | S. B. Chapman, r.. 41 106117 197| 4611 1 53 86 161 168 471 1 10 NOTES. Republican convention held July 17. 1900. W. S. Bolton, of Paxico, chairman : S. C. Smith, of Wabaunsee, secretary. People's Party convention held July 28, 1900. Wm. Pringle, of Harvey ville, chairman : J. W. Taylor, of Maple Hill, secretary. Democratic convention held July 28. 1900. M. F. Trivett, of Esk- ridge, chairman ; J. Y. Waugh, of Eskridge, secretary. With the exception of Mr. Spielman, every candidate on the Re- publican ticket resided in the southeast part of the county. One of the surprises of the convention was the nomination of Mr. Seaman for county attorney, he not being an aspirant for the position. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. mre^ RESIDENCE OF MR. C. STRATTON, Pavilion. THE DAN MORLAN QUARRY, Near Eskridge. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 35. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 47. (P "5 _j||JHJS ! _ " ' RESIDENCE OF MR. FRED DIERKING, RESIDENCE OF MR. AUG. MEINHARDT, Rock Creek Township. Newbury Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH, Rock Creek. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 66. RESIDENCE OF MR. A. E TRUE, Newbury. ROYAL NEIGHBORS' FLOAT, Alma, Woodman Day, August 30, 1900. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. W. J. TOD'3 RESIDENCE ON THE FOWLER RANCH, Maple Hill. MAPLE HILL SCHOOL, 1902. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. AN OLD LANDMAKK. Where " Butter- Hanness " kept store in 1869. THE "MILL" SCHOOL. District No. 59, near Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MAIN STREET, Alta Vista. Looking south from Bnak. WOODMAN HALL AND POST-OFFICE, Chalk. RESIDENCE OF MR. OTTO WINKLER, RESIDENCE OF MR. FRANK SCHMIDT, Vera. Alma. Mr *$k W f~ — | J i | l;R fflftjiViMT" ti&M m SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 86. MISSION POINT BAPTIST CHURCH, Plumb Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EESIDENCE OF MR. PETE HOLMAN, RESIDENCE OF MR. W. H. MELROSE, Alta Vista. Eskridge. ■ ■ . '}M0t SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 56, Keene. SONS OF VETERANS HALL, Keene. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 7. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 44. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. THE OLD AND THE1NEW. Schoolhouses at Halifax. THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, ALMA. Before spire was built. SCHOOLHOUSE, DISTRICT No. 30. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. wp mm FRAME SCHOOL-HOUSE, Wabaunsee. SCHOOL-HOUSE, Paxico. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 71. SCHOOL-HOUSE, District No. 3. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. WESLEYAN METHODIST COLLEGE, Eskridge. EARL BROS'. STORE, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNT Y, KAN. WAUSHARA M. E. CHURCH. M. E. CHURCH AT HARVEYVILLE. OFFICE AND YARDS OF PAXICO LUMBER COMPANY. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 201 r abaunsee County Election Returns, 1901. K b g § hj ^ r3 g P 3 o a P CANDIDATES. ■1 g CO tn re /i Commissioner, 3rd District. AndrewBell 137 45 17 44 35 40 418 59 7 176 18 8 73 77 359 List of County Officers. V/iil} ]Sfarr)e ar>d Dale of Gleelioi). Amasa Bartlett RE November , December ,PRESE 8, 1859 6, 1859 6, 1859 6, 1859 " 6, 1860 5, 1861 5, 1861 5, 1861 4, 1862 3, 1863 8, 1864 7, 1865 6, 1866 5, 1867 6, 1868 5, 1872 NTATIVE. S. A. Baldwin ' mber 4, 1873 3, 1874 S. A. Baldwin ' L. J. McCrumb ' L. Pauly P. Li. Raymond ' A. F. Wade ' ' 2, 1875 C. B. Lines J. B. Ingersoll . . Novembei 7, 1876 5, 1878 2, 1880 7, 1882 5, 1884 2, 1886 ' 6, 1888 H. D. Shepard H. D. Shepard 4, 1890 8, 1892 G. G. Cornell W. M. Rinehart 6, 1894 Wm. Mitchell Samuel R. Weed •■ 3, 1896 1898 1900 COUNTY CLERK. Geo. M. Harvey March 28, 1859 S. E. Beach November 8, 1859 H. M. Seldon. H. M. Seldon*. S. H. Fairfield S. R. Weed.... J. M. Matheny G. W, Watson. U W. Watson. G. W. Watson T. N. Watts . . . 5, 1861 3, 1863 7. 1865 5. 1867 2, 1869 7, 1871 4, 1873 2, 1875 6, 1877 T. N. Watts November 4, 1879 D.M.Gardner " 8,1881 H. G. Licht " 6, 1883 G. W. French " 3, 1885 G. W. French! " 8,1887 C. O. Kinne " 5,1889 C. O. Kinne " 11.1891 J.R.Henderson " 7,1893 J.R.Henderson " 5,1895 B. Buchli,Jr " 2,1897 B. Buchli, Jr " 1899 *Died in office, S. A. Baldwin appointed July 3, 1865. tDied in office, C. O. Kinne appointed December 15, 1888. 202 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. COUNTY TREASURER. Henry Harvey March 28, 1859 H. M. Seldon November 8, 1859 S. E. Beach " 5, 1861 S. R. Weed " 3, 1863 S. R. Weed " 7, 1865 S.H.Fairfield " 5,1867 S. H. Fairfield " 2,1869 Chas. Ross " 7, 1871 Chas. Ross " 4,1873 Joseph Fields " 2,1875 Joseph Fields " 6,1877 Chas. Ross November 4, 1879 8, 1881 6, 1883 3, 1885 J. B. Fields ' 8, 1887 F. Stuewe ' 5, 1889 3, 1891 7, 1893 J. M. Lee ' 5, 1895 2, 1897 Jos. Lafontaine 1899 PROBATE JUDGE. J. M. Hubbard March 28, 1859 J. M. Hubbard November 8, 1859 G. G. Hall " 4, 1862 G. G. Hall " 8, 1864 G. G. Hall " 6, 1866 G. G. Hall " 3, 1868 G. G. Hall " 8, 1870 G. G Hall " 5, 1872 G.G.Hall " 3.1874 G.G.Hall " 7,1876 G. G. Hall " 5, 1878 J. T. Keagy November 2, 1880 J. T. Keagy " 7,1882 J. T. Keagy " 5, 1884 J. T, Keagy " 2, 1886 E.Richards " 6,1888 L.T.Rice " 4,1890 L. T. Rice .' " 8, 1892 L. J. Woodard " 6,1894 L. J Woodard " 3,1896 T. S. Spielman " 1898 T. S. Spielman " 1900 REGISTER OF DEEDS. Moses C. Welch March 28, 1859 E. C. D. Lines November 8, 1859 S. R. Weed " 5, 1861 S.A.Baldwin " 3,1863 S. A. Baldwin " 7, 1865 S. R. Weed " 5, 1867 S.H.Fairfield " 2,1869 S. H. Fairfield " 7, 1871 S.H.Fairfield " 4,1873 S. H. Fairfield " 2, 1875. S.H.Fairfield " 6,1877 S. H. Fairfield November 4, 1879 S. H. Fairfield ... S. H. Fairfield J. C. Henderson. . . J. C. Henderson — J, C. Henderson. . W. B. Small W. B. Small Emma Little C. H. Thompson . . D. U. Millison 8, 1881 6, 1883 3, 1885 8, 1887 5, 1889 3, 1891 7, 1893 5, 1895 2, 1897 1899 SHERIFF. Jehu Hodgson March 28, 1859 Jehu Hodgson November 8, 1859 Jehu Hodgson " 5,1861 S. B. Haryey " 3,1863 Geo. W. Daily " 8,1864 J. H. Pinkerton " 7,1865 J. H. Pinkerton " 5,1867 E. Herrick " 2,1869 E. Herrick " 7, 1871 B. Hoskinson " 4,1873 B. Hoskinson " 2,1875 D. M. Gardner " 6. 1877 D. M. Gardner ... November 4, 1879 H. J. Pippert " 8,1881 H. J. Pippert " 6,1883 J.M.Russell " 3,1885 J.M.Russell " 8,1887 S. E. Hull " 5, 1889 H. J. Palenske " 3,1891 H. J. Palenske " 7,1893 Wm. Treu " 5, 1895 Wm. Treu " 2, 1897 Fred J. Frey " 1899 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 203 COUNTY ATTORNEY. R. G. Terry March 28, 1859 W. Odiin November 8, 1859 A. H. Case (Dist. Atty) " 5, 1861 A. H. Case (Dist. Atty) " 3, 1863 E.J Lines " 8, 1864 N. H. Whittemore. .... " 6, 1866 N. H. Whittemore " 3,1868 N. H. Whittemore*.... " 8,1870 J. T. Keagy " 5,1872 J. T. Keagy " 3,1874 W. A. Dooiittle " 7.1876 W. A. Doolittle " 5,1878 G. G. Cornell November G. G. Cornell W. A. Doolittle J. B. Barnes J. B. Barnes J. H. Jones J. H. Jones J. B. Barnes H. B. Jones C. E. Carroll F. A. Seaman 2, 1880 7, 1882 5, 1884 2, 1886 6, 1888 4, 1890 8, 1892 6, 1894 3, 1896 1898 1900 CLERK DISTRICT COURT. E. C. D. Lines December 6, 1859 J. V. B. Thompson November 5, 1861 S. R. Weed " 4, 1862 S. R. Weed " 8,1864 S. R. Weed " 6, 1866 S. R. Weed " 3, 1868 R. G. Mossman " 8,1870 R. G. Mossman " 5,1872 W. A. Doolittle " 4,1873 Percival Hawes " 3,1874 A.W.Gregory " 2,1875 H. G. Licht " 7,1876 H. G. Licht November 5, 1878 H. G. Licht. H. G. Licht T. S. Spielman. T. S. Spielman. T. S. Spielman. H. B. Jones H. B. Jones W. G. Weaver.. W. G. Weaver.. Wyatt Roush . . WyattRoush .. 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890 1892 1894 1900 SURVEYOR. G. Zwanziger March 28, 1859 G. Zwanziger — November 8, 1859 G. Zwanziger " 5,1861 J.E.Evans " 3,1863 G. Zwanziger " 7,1865 S. R. Weed " 5,1867 J. M. Matheny " 2,1869 G. Zwanziger " 7,1871 G. Zwanziger " 4,1873 S. R. Weed " 2, 1875 J. B. Easter " 6, 1877 W. T. Mahan " 4,1879 W. T. Mahan Novembers, 1881 W. T. Mahan " 6,1883 W. D. Deans " 3,1885 W. D. Deans " 8,1887 W. D. Deans " 5,1889 B. Buchli. Sr " 3,1891 B. Buchli, Sr " 7,1893 W. D. Deans " 5,1895 J. H. Jonest October 14, 1897 J. H. Jones November 2, 1897 W. S. Whitlock " 1899 COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. J. E. Piatt March 28, 1859 J. H. Gould Novembers, 1859 J. H. Gould " 6, 1860 J. H. Gould " 4, 1862 Isaiah Harris " 7,1865 Isaiah Harris " 6,1866 T. M. Allen " 3, 1868 T. M. Allen " 2, 1869 R. M. Tunnell " 8,1870 W. F. Cotton " 7, 1871 W. S. McCormick " 5,1872 F. W. Kroenke " 3,1874 W. E. Richey " 2,1875 W. E. Richey November Matt Thomson Matt Thomson Matt Thomson Matt Thomson Matt Thomson W. W. Ramey Florence Dickinson. . . Geo. L. Clothier C. C. Carter Dow Busenbark Dow Busenbark T. J. Perry mber 7, 1876 5, 1878 2, 1880 7. 1882 5, 1884 2, 1886 6, 1888 4, 1890 », 1892 6, 1894 3, 1896 1898 1900 *Died in office, J. T. Keagy appointed. tMr. Deans died in office. Mr. Jones appointed. 204 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. CORONER. August Brasche March 28, August Brasche November 8, August Brasche " 5, August Brasche .. " 3, August Brasche " 7, August Brasche " 5, August Brasche " 2, C.S.Montgomery " 7, Henry Schmitz " 4, T. N. Watts " 2, J. P. Brown '■' 6, J. P. Brown " 4, 1859 E. W. Eldridge Nove 1859 E. W. Weems 1861 J. C. McElvain 1863 C. J. Sawyer 1865 E. W. Eldridge 1867 E. W. Eldridge 1869 T. H. Hall 1871 T. H. Hall 1873 H.R.Schmidt 1875 G. C. Beals 1877 H. R.Schmidt 1879 H. F. Palenske mber 8, 1881 6. 1883 5, 1884 3, 1885 2, 1886 8, 1887 5, ""' 3, 1891 7, 1893 5, 1895 2, 1897 1899 ASSESSOR. H. M. Seldon March 31, 1860 H. J. Loomis November 6, 1860 D.L.Bates '.' 5,1861 Wm. Kreig " 3,1863 Geo. M. Harvey November 7, 1865 John Herriott " 5,1867 E. Herrick " 3,1868 COUNTY COMMISSIONER. (Henry Harvey, J. M. Hubbard and G. Zwanziger appointed by Governor.) James W. Blain March 6, 1860 James B. Ingersoll " 6,1860 G. Zwanziger " 6,1860 Wm. Mitchell November 6, 1860 F. X. Hebrank ' " 6,1860 J. B. Ingersoll " 6,1860 Wm. Mitchell " 5,1861 F. X. Hebrank " 5.1861 J. B. Ingersoll " 5,1861 E. R. McCurdy " 3,1863 Joseph Treu " 3,1863 H. D. Shepard '< 3,1863 Wm. Mitchell " 7,1865 Henry Schmitz " 7,1865 W. D. Ewing " 7,1865 Henry Schmitz " 5,1867 H. M. Sanford " 5,1867 Morris Walton " 5,1867 JohnCopp " 2,1869 Enoch Piatt " 2,1869 Allen Hodgson " 2,1869 Joseph Thoes " 7,1871 Allen Hodgson " 7,1871 Allen Phillips " 7,1871 Joseph Thoes " 4,1873 J. W. Crandall " 4.1873 A. E. True " 4,1873 J. R. Fix " 2, 1875 W. E. Little November J. R. Gross Lorenz Pauly Geo. W. French Wm. Mitchell L. Pauly F. L. Raymond Geo. Mogge . - B. H. Younker J. W. Core A. E. True A. F. Wade G. W. Greenwood Joseph Treu Eli Walton , Ed Worsley Joseph Treu Eli Walton Moritz Hund P. F. Johnson C. N. Earl Robert Strowig Joseph M. Eck C. N. Earl Robert Strowig L. T. Rice Wm. Pringle Andrew Bell 1875 1875 1877 1877 1877 1878 1880 1881 1881 1882 1883 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. E A ELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 205 The Old Santa Fe Trail. At the old mail station at Elm creek, just over the line in Brecken- ridge (now Lyon Co.) we first became initiated into the mysteries of plainscraft. It was here that was born the desire to know more of the bound- less West — to see with our own eyes the land of the Aztec. Through the influence of an uncle, Mr. Ben. Thomson, of Inde- pendence, Mo., my father was appointed agent of the Overland Mail Company (carrying the U. S. mail from Independence, Mo. to Santa Fe, New Mexico). My father entered upon his duties March 1, 1859, and for three years we lived at the old station, building the frame house seen in the illustration in 1859. The old log buildings were constructed several years before by former agents of the mail company. In the Southeast corner of Richardson county (now Wabaunsee) the military road from Fort Leavenworth formed a junction with the greatest and most extensively traveled thoroughfare on the American continent. For three quarters of a century the people of more than a hundred flourishing towns in the valley of the Rio Grande and old Mexico had received their supplies in wagons drawn by mules and oxen over the historic Santa Fe trail. From small ventures the traffic increased until goods to the value of two millions of dollars were annually purchased from the merchants of Kansas City, Independence. Lexington and Boonville (Old Franklin). This meant the employment of an army of men and the purchase of thousands of oxen and mules, with hundreds of wagons to meet the constantly increasing demands of the trade between the people of the States and those of New Mexico. Having crossed the plains half a score of times during the sixties and having been a quasi resident of the territories for nearly three years during that period our knowledge of the then existing conditions is based upon actual experience among the participants in the stirring scenes of a most eventful period in our country's history. Our stay at the old mail station we regard as the most pleasurable of our existence. For three years we unthoughtedly reveled in an 206 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. atmosphere of romantic incident. With hoyish eagerness we listened to tales of frontier life — to the stories told by plainsmen, army officers, soldiers in the ranks, and employes of the mail company — each and every one of whom had courted danger from every standpoint. While among the relators there were some poltroons there were many heroes — heroes without dreaming of it. There was no bragga- docio in manner or speech. The greatest difficulty lay in eliciting facts from unwilling tongues : only the mock hero is prone to lavish and extravagant recitals of tales of personal prowess that have an exis- tence only in the relator's vivid imagery. But few other than those who know the facts can realize the immense volume of trade that passed over the trail through Wabaun- see county to Santa Fe prior to the advent of the iron horse. For days the rumble of the heavily laden wagons, the cracking of whips, and the noise incident to a constant passing of trains made a din indescribable and almost incessant. During the summer season hundreds of wagons passed daily on their way to Santa Fe. During the Pike's Peak excitement in '59 as many as 300 vehicles of all descriptions would go into camp near the old mail station at the Elm creek crossing. In this motley crowd would be from 500 to 1,000 men — but few women — of a dozen nationalities. Usually Americans pre- dominated but our Mexican neighbors came in for a close second. Fully one-half of the overland traffic was carried on by Mexican freighters — in wagons drawn by mules or oxen — about equally divided. Around the nightly campfires could be heard songs of mirth, tales of adventure, and recitals that would almost congeal the blood in one's veins. Possibly exaggeration was purposely engrafted for the edifica- tion—or discomfiture — of the tenderfoot. That in the youthful listener the desire was enkindled to know more of the great plains, the historic ground and the quaint people beyond was but natural. As with the New England boy the stories of people beyond the seas begot a longing to cross the ocean so with the youth living on the margin of the Great American Desert — whether on the prairies of Kansas or the borders of Missouri— there was early instilled in his veins an unquenchable longing to cross the plains. He would view with his uwn eyes the halls of the Montezumas. The weird and gruesome tales of the deadly trail across the "Jornada"* incited no fears m the boy who would brave every danger to do as many boys had done before him. *This refers to the dry route between the Cimarron crossing of the Arkansas and the Cimarron (Lost) river. The distance trains were compelled to travel without water varied from 50 to 90 miles and dur- ing a dry time there was no water for man or beast, except that carried in kegs from the tepid waters of the Arkansas or the brackish liquid oozing through the sands of the Cimarron. Sometimes whole trains would perish and the bones lay bleaching on the Plains. For this reason this part of the trail was called "Jornada del Muerto"— "The journey of the Dead." EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY", KAN. 207 He would see the ' 'Big Timbers," but in the scattering cotton- woods of the Upper Arkansas there was naught but disappointment. '•Old Fort Atkinson" dwindled into insignificance as the few rods of dilapidated stone and adobe walls loomed into view. "Raton Pass," "Apache Hill" and the "Turkey Mountains" divested of the romance clinging to their names become commonplace, and even Historic Santa Fe, Old Baldy Mountain and the turbulent Rio Grande are not worth the candle as compared with the pleasant memories clustered about the home fireside and the old log cabin of the early pioneers. But lack of water wasn't the only unpleasant feature of a journey over the old trail. The Indians were a constant source of anxiety if not of vexation and trouble. Wagon-masters in charge of trains, no matter how large the outfit were given opportunities to disgorge. It was a case of put up or lose a "whoa-haw." The custom was to put up a sufficient amount of bacon, flour, sugar and coffee for a feast — the amount depending on the hostile attitude of the begging Indians, their numbers, or estimated ability to enforce their demands. The leader of every band of Indians, large or small, went armed with his begging-paper. It was just as essential as any other part of a warrior's equipment— not so war-like, but equally effective in replenishing the empty larder as the rifle and lance, or bow and arrow. But all this is changed — by that modern cizilizer, the railroad. The modern school-house with its patent seats'stands where stood the Indian Tepee. Forty years ago (1862) the writer in search of Indian curios wandered down the banks of the Pawnee (near Larned) and found more than he was looking for. He found himself ushered into the presence of Satank ;* was asked to dine, and — well, he didn't refuse. But as Mr. Satank will hardly see these lines and no apology be demanded, we will take the liberty of saying that the coffee was too strong, the plum stew too sour, and the buffalo soup was altogether too fresh. The horn spoons and mussel shell ladles were interesting as curiosities but "by the great horn spoon" our appetite did not crave soup without salt conveyed to the mouth in a mussel shell. But we never grumbled at the fare. Just two years before Satank had settled his score with Peacock at the mouth of the Walnut. Possibly our knowledge of this fact caused us to partake of the fare set before us with a seeming relish. As we were about starting on our return trip to camp we were somewhat startled by a blast from Satank's bugle (any person passing over the Santa Fe trail from '60 to '65 will remem- ber Satank and his bugle). The blast brought into his presence a young Indian mounted on a beautiful pony and leading Satank's war- horse. The old chief was going to our camp but he had no idea of *His begging paper gave us the first intimation as to his name. 208 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. walking, nor of permitting ourself to enjoy this much preferred privi- lege. We rode— at Satank's invitation. It may be that our ready acquiescence in complying with the old chief's every request was due to some hypnotic influence, for which we were then unable to account. But at this, the eleventh hour, we mingle our thanks with congratu- lations. The thanks are for Satank and the congratulations for our- self — that we are here to chronicle this long deferred account of our first banquet with the wiliest of Kiowas in his tepee on the banks of the Arkansas. During the summer of 1867 the combined tribes of the plains dis- puted the passing of all trains over the Santa Fe trail. If there were exceptions the fact was due to advantages in the matter of force or organization not in favor of the Indians. They were peaceable or otherwise as the probability of losing their scalps seemed apparent. But with the advent of the railroad came the conviction to the Indian that it was time to be good. The mysterious power of the "talking wire" and the facility with which troops could be transported from one point to another caused Mr. Lo to put on his thinking cap. This thing of swooping down on a train and cutting out a few of the hindmost wagons was ended. The iron horse could not be stampeded, nor could his locomotion be stopped by the old process of cutting the ham-strings. Corraling a train and cutting off the water supply; shooting and scalping the teamsters while guarding the herds of cattle or mules; picking them off while hastily constructing breastworks behind which to conceal their bodies— are among the things of the past, and are less to be attributed to a change of heart on the part of the Indian than to the civilizing influences exerted by the iron horse. This article on the Old Trail would be incomplete without some reference to the overland mail — carried in the sixties in a Concord coach drawn by six mules with an outrider* — as a promoter of speed. With each coach were three men and occasionally one or more extra coaches were required. The schedule time from Independence to Santa Fe was twenty days until 1860, when it was reduced to fifteen *Boyish pleasure never assumed the superlative form in a more eminent degree than in our own case while playing the role of outrider on the overland mail. If we could manage to meet the mail at Wil- mington and be "whipper-up" to the old station and thence to 142 creek (of course we wanted to go there after the mail) we would feel as though we had met with an unusual piece of good luck. . Our pre- dilection for this employment is probably responsible for our failure to take a course at college. Being proffered a scholarship (at Lebanon college, Tenn.) my brother Davis remarked that a place on the mail line would be more to my liking. My father's displeasure in the mat- ter was shown by his never referring to the matter again. But we are not complaining. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 209 days. Until 1859 Lost Springs was the last station and outfitting point. Beyond this only "long-route mules" were serviceable, the broken-down and short winded "short-route mules" being detailed for service on short drives on the east and west ends of the line. Here, time was made, as much as 150 miles being covered in the first 24 hours. Conductors and drivers were heavily armed as a protection to the mail and the large sums of money sent in the care of the company. Though seldom attacked the crews were frequently held up by Indians with begging papers. This meant generous treatment or imminent risk of the consequences, that were, as a rule, averted. The killing of the Smith brothers referred to in "Bill Cole's Last Drive" was an exception— one that had little effect in curtailing the number of applications for employment at the office of the Overland Mail Company. /As early as 1831, the town of Franklin, 150 miles west of St. Louis, was an outfitting point for the Santa Fe traders. Wagons, drawn by oxen, were first used in 1829, by Major Riley, who, with three companies of infantry and one of riflemen, escorted the caravan as far as Choteau Island on the Arkansas. The train being attacked by Indians the escort continued with the caravan as far as Sand creek. The use of oxen by Major Riley was a surprise to plainsmen. The oxen stood the trip as well, if not better, than mules and after that time about half the freighters used oxen. As early as 1831 Council Grove was used as an outfitting point by fur traders and emigrants to Oregon, though up to that time there was not a house west of Independence. The name — Council Grove — had its origin in the fact that in 1825 Messrs Reeves, Sibley and Math- ers, commissioners appointed to establish and mark a road from Inde- pendence to Santa Fe, made a treaty with the Osages to gain their consent to the establishment of the road. The council was held in the Grove at the crossing of the Neosho. The caravans organized here by electing a captain, detailing guards, etc., for the protection of the caravan while passing through the hostile tribes of the plains, and the more dangerous hordes of robbers that preyed on unsuspecting outfits at will. In 1843, large escorts, under Capt. Philip St. George Cook accom- panied the caravans as far as the Arkansas river. An item from "Annals of the Great Western Plains" is deserving of a place here. "In 1857, 9,884 wagons left Kansas City for New Mexico. Now, if these wagons were all in one train, they would make a caravan 223 miles long, with 98,840 mules and oxen, and freighting an amount of merchandise equal to 59,304,000 lbs." As fully as many wagons were outfitted at Leavenworth, Inde- 210 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. pendence and other points the above figures represent not more than half the traffic passing over the old trail. Among the items of traffic received at Kansas City that year was one of 50,000 buffalo robes. Another item in the "Annals" says: "As early as 1840 it was not uncommon, on the arrival of Mackinaw boats, to see as many as 300 or 400 men on the levee (at Kansas City) at one time, and all of them buy- ing more or less from the traders." Among other items of trade were rings that cost ten cents in St. Louis and sold to the Indians for five or six dollars. In view of these prices there need be no cause for wonder at the fabulous fortunes piled up by the Astors. Among the landmarks of the Old Trail not yet obliterated Js an old log house on Bluff creek, twelve miles east of Council Grove— made memorable as the home of the noted guerilla, Bill Anderson. In 1862, Bill was a harmless youth, to all appearances at least. He was a regu- lar attendant at the neighborhood debates* and spelling schools, taking a part, with other young men, in the vicinity of his old home. Bill's first trip, and we believe his last, across the plains, was with Parker's mule train, just before the civil war. On this trip Bill became an expert at pistol practice, affected broad-brimmed hats and in a few months cast his lot with Quantrill; was at the sacking of Lawrence and on the night of July 3, 1862, burned Baker's stone house at the Santa Fe crossing of Rock creek, shooting Baker as he attempted to escape through the cellar window. Bill celebrated the 4th the follow- ing morning by shooting 36 holes through the front doOr of the old stage station at Elm creek — then occupied by Henry Jacobi, The bed in which two children slept was filled with lead but the little ones were unharmed. *At one of these debates (so deeply impressed on memory's tablet, as never to be effaced), in which Bill took part in January, 1862, held at Charley Withington's, at the crossing of 142 creek, the writer had the honor of acting as secretary. As we remember it a handsome Miss "Muller" — and as worthy and accomplished as handsome — pre- sided as one of the judges. If the "Judge" failed, through fickleness, or from dilatory uncertainty, to make bay while the sun shone so brightly it is safe to say that as he looks regretfully down the long vista of years his eyes are never so bedimmed that he is unable to see the application of Whittier's truthful lines: "It might have been." As to Bill Anderson (in his boyhood days he was known by no other name than Bill) : Mild in manner and timid in speech, as one might have observed him that evening, Bill was a study. Tall and straight as an Indian, with his light blue eyes and jet black hair— long and flowing, one can hardly realize that within one short year, with bridle reins in his teeth and a revolver in either hand, Bill Anderson could be transformed into a living exemplification of Sherman's truism that "war is hell." EA RL Y HISTORY OF W AB AU NSEE COUNTY, KAN. 211 Santa Fe was the Mecca of boys living on the border in the sixties desirous of graduating in piainscraft. This city has the honor of being the oldest town but one in the United States. At the time my father was agent for the Mail company Santa Fe was the western terminus of the line. It is the capital of New Mexico now as it was then. It boasts of some fine buildings but a large majority of the residences are built of adobe. Many wealthy families are located here, having grown rich in the mining, ranching or mercantile business — being the proprietors of many of the trains that in the early days hauled all their merchandise from points on the Missouri river on the great thoroughfare passing through Wabaunsee county. While many of the families residing here were fabulously rich the worldly possessions of the great majority is a matter of but little concern to the tax collector and but little more perhaps to the average Mexican, provided he is of the "Greaser" class and the average Mexi- can is always a "Greaser." Give the Greaser a serapa (Mexican blanket), a burro (donkey) and a few rich relations on his visiting list and he is independent. Add to these possessions a horse, saddle, a huge pair of spurs, and a broad- brimmed hat, and he is monarch, in a literal sense, of all he surveys; and, in many instances, of all he can lay his hands on. The Greaser's dream of happiness is to marry some rich man's daughter that he may live at his ease — and, at the expense of his wife's relations. Failing in this he is content to become an outlaw, and firm in the belief that the world owes him a living he starts out to look it up. As to whether it is to be found at the gambling table, or at the end of a lasso, it is immaterial to him. But these remarks refer only to the reckless class whom the fates ordained should be born in New Mexico. Rowdies with the self-same characteristics are not peculiar to that latitude, to the climate, or to the people. Though Santa Fe was the terminal point of the mail line from Independence the trail over which the thousands of tons of freight were hauled extended far down the Rio Grande and beyond into old Mexico. On the lower Rio Grande is another "Jornada del Muerto"— an arid waste of sand and cactus, interspersed with sage-brush and some dwarfed mesquite. There are no trees and yet the arid plain is not destitute of fuel. A species of cactus fifteen feet in height and thick as a man's body is found here. This and the sage-brush is utilized as a substitute for the more solid woods abounding in the mountains. Then, there is the mesquite, the greater part of which, grows under ground. In the past, when we were told that on the arid plains of New Mexico wood was obtained by digging, we concluded that the 212 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. narration would make a fitting appendix to the stories of Munchausen, but such is a fact. Prior to the advent of the railroad, nearly all the fuel used by the troops at Fort Craig, on the Lower Rio Grande, was nothing more nor less than the roots of the-mesquite — a small bush furnishing as much as a cord of wood. These roots are very easily dug from the sandy soil and are less crooked than much of the pinon and other scrubby timber growing in the foot-hills. Though in a dry time the stretch of arid plain without water lies between terminal points ninety miles apart there are occasional rains or downpours that fill up the holes along the route across the Jornada. At the Point of Rocks was one of these holes at which water was occasionally found after a hard rain. The place is what the name indicates— a rough, jagged promontory, not very high above the sur- rounding country, but conspicuous by reason of its altitude above the surrounding plains. Here, the dust-begrimed traveler was supplied with a fair quality of water with which to quench his thirst after his weary march. In times past, the weary traveler looked forward to his arrival at this point on his route with feelings of joy, mingled with a dread that could not be shaken off. Though almost famished, he hardly dared approach the water holes for fear that the draught, though refreshing, might be his last. He feared that his stooping to drink might be the signal for the launching of a shower of arrows sent on their deadly errand by a score of Indians that might lay concealed behind the boulders. Many a lone expressman or mail carrier met his death at the hands of the treacherous Apaches at the Point of Rocks. But connected with the history of the old trail are hundreds of horrifying: incidents for which the Indian is in nowise responsible. Just beyond the point where the old trail emerged from the mountains at the foot of Raton pass was a little clump of willows where in 1868 an American miner encamped for the last time. He was on his way to the "States," doubtless anticipating the many pleasures in store for him at the pld homestead. There was no railroad then and he could not afford the luxury of a ride in the mail coach at twenty-five cents a mile. To his mind it would be extravagant to expend for stage fare, at the rate of $25 per day, money that had been earned by hard work at perhaps a half a hundred per month. Purchasing a burro, he started with his camping outfit for home. He had saved considerable money and for this, probably, he was way- laid and murdered. His body was found, wrapped in his blankets and cast away in the willows — another victim whose murder is unavenged. Thirty-four years have gone by and mayhap loving friends are yet EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MEXICAN BURROS CARRYING WOOD. IN THE TURKEY MOUNTAINS. On the old Santa Fe trail. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 213 listening for the footsteps of him who will never come. But a city (Raton) now occupies the spot and long ago neighboring church bells have tolled the requiem of the departed spirit of the victim of the assassin's treachery. Less than a day's drive from this point the old trail crossed the Cimarron, just as it emerges from the mountains. Here, lived Lucien B. Maxwell, a Frenchman, one of the Fremont party, who, with Kit Carson, and several other members, settled in New Mexico, married Spanish women, and thereby came into possession of princely fortunes. Maxwell's possessions exceeded in area several counties as large as our own. Though autocratic, the old guide and ranchman was generous to a fault. His will was the only law recognized by the hundreds of Indians and Mexicans who looked to him for employment, and — protection. A one-company post was at one time established within a stone's throw of Maxwell's home, but certainly not by reason of any concern that might be felt for the safety of himself or his people. The whole Ute tribe was as absolutely under his control as is an obedient child to its mother. Then, the Mexicans about the place were always suffi- ciently numerous to guarantee immunity from the depredations of any marauding bands of plains Indians. Separated by an adobe wall from the Maxwell home stands a two- story hotel of seventy rooms — Lambert's Hotel — that would be a credit to any city, Though the walls are of adobe you would never suspect it — they being plastered and penciled in imitation of stone and the iron caps over the windows with the heavy iron cornice above gives the building an appearance that inspires the question — how came it here? Look for the answer in the turbid waters of the Cimarron — made turbid by the miners washing for gold. Here the miners would spend their winters and with the vanishing snows on the range they would return to the diggings— wiser, maybe, but penniless. Though a number of the rooms are now unused the handsome carpets and furnishings of others are indicative of the luxurious tastes of the man who built the hotel — Mr. Lambert. But Lambert's bar-room has a record. Though built in 1871 no less than 25 men have died with their boots on in front of Lambert's bar. A flash of steel or a shot and another score was settled— another grudge wiped out. One wouldn't think that the quiet, thin-faced Frenchman who today attends personally to the comfort of his guests at the Hotel Lambert had, in the years gone by. with a nerve just as cool, and a face just as calm, witnessed time and again, in his own house, scenes that would rival those of the French revolution. In the days prior to the advent of the railroad Lambert's bar-room, a score of times, pre- 214 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. sented more the appearance of a slaughter-pen than of a hotel of Metropolitan pretensions. But the tourist who todny comes in con- tact with the proprietor of the only hotel at the old historic ranch' sees only the genial host in Mr. Lambert, the friend and companion of Maxwell. While making a trip over the Santa Fe trail in 1867 two of our teamsters met with a narrow escape from the Indians that may be of especial interest to all "tenderfeet" who may pass that way — on the cars. The name of one of them was Schaffer, a young Jew, who had taken advantage of the high wages paid at the time (on account of the Indian hostilities) to raise the funds necessary to get a start in the wool business. The air castles he was continually building with reference to the profits he hoped to realize in his proposed wool speculation fixed upon him the sobriquet of "Wool Dealer." During the whole trip he was known by no other name, so by that name we will call him. One of the six mules composing Wool Dealer's team was remarkable for contrariness. The wool speculator had consider- able difficulty in picking his team from the herd „but this mule he claimed to know by his "general appearance." On this account that particular mule was dubbed: "General Appearance." While encamped at Fort Dodge General Appearance, concluding, perhaps, that it was unwise to enter any farther into any wool specu- lations, resolved to follow the fortunes of his master no longer. At any rate, he started out over the hills north of the post, followed by Wool Dealer and a chosen companion. For three or four miles the boys followed the mule. Then they espied in the distance what they supposed to be a band of Indians on the march — about 500 they thought. To be continually joked about the prospects of the wool trade was anything but desirable, but life in camp was preferable, by all odds, to the fate in store for them in case of capture by the Indians. Rapidly taking in the situation the boys put spurs to their saddle mules and struck for camp. In a short time they left the formidable band of Indians far in the rear. The boys had got within about a mile of camp, and were congratulating themselves on their fortunate escape when a new danger presented itself. Nearly in their front and just behind a little knoll, one of the boys (more scared than the other) saw four or five Indians trying to cut off their retreat. Galloping down a ravine, they followed the old trail into camp, without having been seen, as they supposed, by the straggling Indians. The boys told the story of their narrow escape, and the facts being EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 215 communicated to General Brooke he sent out a squad of soldiers to reconnoitre. In a short time the soldiers overtook the four or five "straggling Indians," whom they found to be scouts from the fort on their way to meet the rock train, hauling stone from the quarries on Saw-Log creek. The rock train proved to be what the boys had mistaken for the band of Indians on the inarch. Wool Dealer and his companion never heard the last of their "Thrilling adventures among the Kiowas, or of "How we lost the old mule at Fort Dodge." On our first trip to Santa Fe over the Old Trail we were impressed with the number of goats and burros to be seen everywhere. Back in the states a goat is a curiosity and a donkey more of a rarity than his bearded lordship. Goats are sometimes kept about the barnyards of our eastern neighbors under the impression that their presence is desirable by reason of the possession on the part of the goat of peculiar disinfect- ing properties. If there is any foundation in this, the country about the western terminus of the old trail should be, as it is, a healthful country, but it is doubtful about the goat being entitled to any part of the credit due for the fact. At any rate the two animals named are serviceable creatures and we are unable to see how their place could well be filled. The goat is as essential to the welfare of our New Mexican neigh- bors as is the cow to the average Kansan. The ranchman without his herd of goats is an exception. The milk of cows is considered unhealthf ul as food for the human family and good for calves only. A Mexican, though the owner of fifty cows would not milk one of them, but would keep a herd of goats for the purpose of supplying the fam- ily with milk, cheese, etc. By the way, Goat's milk cheese, as an active agent in appeasing hunger is a product of no mean value, as the writer can testify from personal experience, and were we less willing to pander to our vitiated tastes, and more anxious to economize, so as to be enabled to live within our means we would follow the example set by our neighbors by keeping a few goats for the cheap food products with which they would provide us. In other things besides the goat question is the example of our Mexican friends worthy of emulation — especially when we would view matters from an economical standpoint. A Kansas man must hitch a pair of big horses to a heavy lumber wagon to haul a load of wood, hay, or corn. If he finds it necessary to go to town for a few groceries, the same cumbersome wagon is called into requisition. With the Mexican it is different. Should he find the wood supply getting short he mounts his burro and starts for the nearest timber. 216 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. In a short time he returns with the wood but if you are a tenderfoot you may wonder what has become of the donkey. If you are a close observer you may discover his long ears and diminutive legs in front and beneath a huge mountain of wood. With a load of hay you would see as much of the burro as in the former case except the ears and legs as aforesaid. You would probably indulge in a little speculation as to what new motive power had been invented by the descendants of Montezuma. If our Mexican friend desires to go on a visit to his wife's people (which he often does) he has only to drive up to the door his favorite donkey, and the carriage is in waiting. It is not unusual to see a whole family riding upon a single donkey. It might be well to state, however, that the families that are in the habit of riding upon one donkey do not consist of more than four or five persons, but it is safe to add that their combined weight, in many cases, exceeds that of the donkey on which they are riding. If the head of the family finds it convenient to go on a long journey he invariably takes the donkey along— to ride when he is tired, for, when he is in a hurry, he invariably goes on foot — in a dog trot, driving the donkey before him. On such occasions the donkey is a great convenience, the driver can ride while he is resting. One must admit that the donkey isn't handsome, but he possesses many good qualities that recommend him. He does not object to eat- ing hay and a little corn or oats but such luxuries are the exception and not the rule. A few dry tufts of grass, and an occasional gunny- sack and he is content. His digestive organs are usually in good con- dition. It has been said that he can digest miners' overalls, rubber boots and stray fruit cans, but these statements are not well authen- ticated. But taken all in all, the burro, as a faithful servant of man is worthy of mention. He is hardy, or he would not survive the treat- ment he receives. It is claimed that he is a small eater. He might eat more but his opportunities in this direction are not usually good. He is reputed to be long lived. This is doubtless true, at least the writer never having seen a dead burro is not prepared to refute the statement. But of one thing he is assured, and that is that the burro is utilized in every possible way. The sheep herder carries his sack of meal from place to place on the back of his donkey. To the miner he is indispensible, carrying his provisions and prospecting outfit along precipices and over mountainous districts where a horse would not venture. He is well adapted to the work required of him; he is worthy of better treatment than he receives and is capable of serving man in EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MEXICAN OVEN AND ADOBE HOUSE. GOAT CURIOSITY, On the old Santa Fe Trail. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 217 a wider field of action. Success to the burro and may we have more of him. One of the many interesting land-marks of the western terminal point of the old Santa Fe trail is what is called the Pecos church, built more than 300 years ago by the Jesuit missionaries. The quaint ■ carvings with which the edifice was once adorned are yet to be seen in many of the "casas" of the rancheros within a radius of many miles from the pile of debris that marks the site of the ancient edifice. But more interesting still is Old Fort Barclay, twenty miles east of Las Vegas. The fort is built in the form of a square. At two of the corners, diagonally opposite, is a turret, or block house, the walls of which are perforated with holes, through which rifles may be, and often have been, thrust, to repel the attacks of marauding bands of Apaches, that were wont to make their visits more frequent than pleasant. And that wasn't very long ago, either. This condition of things has existed for more than 300 years, and to this fact is due the quaint style of architecture peculiar to the country bordering on that part of the Santa Fe trail passing through New Mexico. The bouse of every ranchero is a fort. The home ranch is built in the form of a square with a court in the center. The roof is flat and the walls extending two feet above the roof furnish excellent means of defense against a * hostile force. What was once a necessity is now a custom and the "plaza" is the rule and not the exception in the style of building peculiar to the Mexican ranch. Fort Barclay was for years the home of the proprietor of the Kroenig land grant. Mr. Kroenig was one of the scores of men, who, after their term of enlistment in the regular army had expired, had settled down in the land of the Aztec. He was an old friend and com- panion of Maxwell and Kit Carson, and like them, had been smitten by a fair Senorita, the charm of whose smile had weaned the soldier from a life on the tented field. Within the walls of Fort Barclay and for the time a member of the family of Don Julian Kroenig the writer of .these lines had every reason to be assured that the placid old gentleman never regretted that the partner of his joys — and sorrows, maybe — was one of the daughters of Castile. While domiciled here as a receiver of forage fur the Quarter- master's department at Fort Union (in the winter of '68 and '69) our duties were not so pressing as to debar us the privilege of becoming thoroughly acquainted with the Mexican character and it is with pleasure that we are enabled to testify to the many good traits of this quaint people. At a distance from the military posts, where the native population 218 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. has not been contaminated by adverse American influences, hospitality is a leading trait. Americans receive a hearty welcome at the hands of the better classes, and right here it might be said that some of the fair occupants of these Mexican homes have, time and again, taken a special interest in the welfare of their American cousins — teaching them to forget that back in the "States" bedimmed eyes awaited in vain their promised home-coming. The language of the people is the Spanish. Although Ollendorph claims that the pure Castilian is spoken in but two provinces of Spain, it may be said that comparatively few provincialisms have crept into the language, considering the isolation of the people from the mother country, the intermingling of the race with the native tribes of Indians, and other natural causes. Though it has been claimed by a number of the know-all family that the Spanish language, in its purity, is not spoken in New Mexico, one can rest assured that no fears need be entertained that should a native of the country be addressed in the Spanish language that he will not comprehend the meaning of the words spoken. The language is musical and flows from the lips in a way that adds much to the charm of conversation. Then, too, it is readily learned. There are many German residents in the country and their testimony is that the language can be mastered in half the time necessary to acquire equal familiarity with the English. A little insight into the construction of the language will readily account for the facility with which it can be learned. For instance, the gender of nouns is, in many cases, indicated by the terminal letter — the letter "o" representing the masculine, and "a," the feminine gender. The following will illustrate our meaning: Muchacho, boy, Muchacha, girl, Hermano, brother, Hermana, sister, Hijo, son. Hija, daughter. In other words the difference in gender is indicated by the primal letter, as padre, father, and madre, mother. In these words the sim- ilarity to the Latin language is recognized. This is further illustrated by a comparison of the Latin and Spanish numerals. Latin Spanish 1. Unus, 2. Duo, 3. Tres, 4. Quatuor, 5. Quinque, 6. Sex, 7. Septem, 8. Octo, 9. Novem, 10. Decern. From the above it is apparent that a person somewhat familiar with Latin will And the labor of acquiring a knowledge of the Spanish language materially lessened. 1. Uno, 2. Dos. :;. Tres, 4. (Juatro, 5. Cinco, 6 Seis, 7. Siete, 8. Ocho, 9. Nueve, L0. Diez. Z A RL Y HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 219 1 ss to the time required to familiarize one's self with the language, that would depend, of course, on the degree of application with which the study is pursued, and the aptitude of the student. When one is thrown on his own resources, his perceptive faculties are quickened, and his memory is the better prepared to endure the tax made upon it. The writer can testify to the truth of this statement, having passed several weeks with the family of Don Vicente Romero, at La Cueva. But one person on the ranch could speak a word of English. This was young Romero, who had received the benefit of a college educa- tion in the "States." Inasmuch as the greater part of his time was passed away from home, but little benefit was derived from his assist- ance in communicating with the native population. But the result with reference to acquiring a knowledge of the language was very satisfactory. The fact that the phrase, "chili-con - carne" referred to a conglomerate mass of meat, gravy, and red pep- per, with the latter ingredient largely in the majority, was learned at an early stage of the lingual development. The words almuerzo, comida, and cena (breakfast, dinner, and supper) were learned by their association with the several occasions when all met around the family board to discuss the superiority of "chili-con-carne" over the commonplace American dish of ham and eggs. But in the discussion let us not forget the more practical side of our subject lest by our digression our readers lose all interest in the Old Trail. A government train consisted of 26 wagons, drawn by six mules each. The train was in charge of a wagon-master, and an assistant, with a cook and one or two extra hands— usually 30 men to a train. Each wagon was drawn by six mules or six yoke (12) of oxen. Wagons of private freighters were drawn by 10 or 12 mules each, or by from four to six yoke of cattle to the wagon. Government mule trains made but one drive of from 25 to 30 miles a day— breaking camp at daylight and going into camp about 10 o'clock in the summer and about 4 o'clock in winter. With ox trains two drives were made— early in the morning and late in the afternoon— often extending far into the night. Winter trips were seldom made with government trains drawn by oxen, but contractors paid but little heed to the weather or season. The animals were guarded day and night by from two to six men- more if a dry camp* was made, or stormy weather, or the presence of Indians deemed extreme caution necessary. *In 1862, our train lost 50 head of cattle, while making a dry camp in the Cheyenne bottoms. Moving the wagons to Cow creek we spent 220 EA ELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. While passing through the Indian country — when attacks from the hostiles were feared the animals were kept in a corral formed by the wagons — in a circle— or were securely tied with halters or lariats. To outfit a government mule train 160 mules were required, but for a train drawn by oxen there were 312 oxen and four mules. Guards were detailed by the assistant wagon-master. It was also his duty to draw and distribute rations, assist in repairing such parts of wagons as might be broken through careless driving, stampedes, or imperfect timbers. Extra timbers and full kits of tools and a medi- cine chest formed a necessary auxiliary to every outfit. However inclement the weather men on the plains were seldom sick from exposure. To be warmly clad was the rule and to be pre- pared to endure the hardships incident to a trip across the plains was one of the pre-requisites to employment. Though rough fare and a hard life were the rule there was a fascination about the Old Trail that tended to obliterate from memory's tablet the pleasures of the home fire-side — it requiring years of time to enable the victim of the hallucination to realize that that fascination was but a glittering bauble. Though the Old Santa Fe Trail is of the past, the memories clus- tered about it are not all unpleasant. Let us cherish these as we would the many kind acts and pleasant incidents that cheer us on as we wend our way over that other Trail that leads to the Great Beyond. three days looking for the strays. The few water holes along the creek were filled with turtles and while encanfped here a band of twenty Cheyenne Indians came along and went prospecting for meat. In half an hour there were twenty pony loads of turtles on the banks of Cow creek but not a single turtle in that hole of water. The Indians would dive for the turtles and seldom missed. Failure to secure a turtle brought shouts of derision from the other Indians that induced renewed exertion and better luck — but not to the turtle. The Indians requesting permission for the use of our camp-fire to cook a terrapin found on the prairie we were treated to our first lesson in the preparation of terrapin a la Cheyenne. The terrapin was placed on its back before the fire and roasted alive. Without pepper or salt for seasoning the meal was devoured with seeming relish and the meat was so tender that neither knife nor fork was needed in the serving. Their hunger appeased the Cheyenne braves wrapped their catch of turtles in their blankets and, happy and contented, departed for their camp on the Arkansas. Note. Among the incidents of our visit to the Kiowa camp, near the mouth of the Pawnee (see page 207) was a sick call that was unique in our experience. Lying under a canopy of green boughs was the worst used up specimen of the Lo family I ever saw. The Indian had been gored by a wounded buffalo and if that Kiowa ever went on another hunt the medicine man that patched him up ought to be interviewed and the case reported in full for the benefit of the medical profession. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. REV. W. S. CROUCH, Pastor Congregational Church, Maple Hill. THE ELIOT CHURCH (CONGREGATIONAL), MAPLE HILL. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Eev. George Kettering. Key. R. M. Tunnell. Rev. D. R. Steiner. Rev. John Scott. FORMER MINISTERS OF THE CONGREGATIONL CHURCH, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. - - — _ EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. FLORAL SCENE AT THE HOME OF ME. S. H. FAIRFIELD, Alma. REVEREND SCHMID'S CONFIRMATION CLASS, Lutheran Church, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. &. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 221 MR. A. S. ALLENDORPH Was born in Booneville, Mo., Oct. 17, 1867. coming to Kansas when a boy of ten years, his parents locating at Lawrence. Here he was educated — at the city High School and at the Kansas State University, taking a special course in civil engineering. Mr. Allendorph demon- strated his fitness for this position by two years of practical work on the Wyandotte & Northwestern, the terminal point at that time being Hastings, Neb. Seeing a more inviting field in the cattle business Mr. Allendorph came to Wabaunsee county in 1888, leasing a large body of pasture lands, the lease to run five years and the stipulated price being the tax on the lands for that period. By agreeing to drive the cattle from Douglas county and return- ing them in the fall 2,000 head at $1.50 per head for the season were secured. Tlie land was all open prairie but the second year seven sections were fenced and 4,000 head secured at $1.75, the cattle being from the A. L. C. ranch, the property of the Acoma Land & Cattle Co., of New Mexico. In 1890, the increase in the business necessitated the leasing of more pasture land and so great was the demand for pasturage that the firm of Allendorph & Co. found themselves compelled to provide for 16,000 head during a single pasturage season. The fourth year others embarked in the business, renting lands at $200 per section. In addition to being called the Switzerland of Kan- sas our county has gained a reputation throughout Western Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona for furnishing the best summer pasturage to be found anywhere — the best evidence being found in the fact that the price has advanced to the present average of $3.50 per head for the season. When it is considered that but a few years ago these same lands would have been thought dear at $3.00 per acre the magnitude of the cattle business of today may be readily sur- mised. So great has been the change that lands which a few years ago were considered valueless except for pasturage are now sought after for farming purposes at twenty five dollars per acre. Mr. Allendorph having traveled extensively through the cattle ranges of the West and being thoroughly conversant with the condi- tions as they exist should be competent authority on questions affect- ing our county as a desirable range for the vast herds of cattle that are annualy pastured within our limits. Mr. Allendorph's opinion is that Wabaunsee county is the garden spot of the world so far as cattle range is concerned. That Mr. Allendorph's judgment is not at fault is in evidence in two notable instances; the first in fixing upon our county as a place of 222 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. residence and, second, in the choice of a helpmeet — Miss Mame I. Flintom, to whom he was happily married on June 18, 1891. Mr. Allendorph besides owning 5,080 acres of good land resides in one of the most pleasant homes in Alma. Coming here with nothing he has proven by his works that which he professes to believe — that Wabaun- see county, as a place of residence has no superior on earth. MR. GEORGE W. THOMPSON (Dec'd) Was born in Clark county, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1831, and in Feb., 1853, was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Herriott, of Union county, Ohio. To this union three children were born — Charles H., who so creditably filled the office of register of deeds, Mary, now Mrs. Josiah Hiner, and Elmer, now a resident of Manhattan. For nearly a third of a century Mr. Thompson was a resident of Wabaunsee county, coming to Kansas in 1866, settling on the farm where he died on Tuesday morning, Oct. 18, 1898. With an unsullied reputation, of sterling integrity and prompted by the purest and noblest impulses, no man enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his acquaintance to a greater degree than did the sub- ject of this sketch. With him the ties of kinship were sacred and the love of home and family were attributes that challenged comparison and com- manded that admiration that invariably ripened into the warmest friendships that even that grim monster, Death, cannot sever. Though not a politician, for more than twenty years the name of Mr. Geo. W. Thompson, as chairman of the democratic county com- mittee, was familiar to the people of Wabaunsee county. And yet he was not a politician. No man would spurn the appellation more than he.. With him it was: "Not as I desire, but as my party wills." The funeral services were conducted by Rev. E Richards, for four years pastor at Wabaunsee, assisted by Rev. S. H. Woodhull, the then resident minister. Characteristic sentences that went home to the heart were: "Man lives to labor and dies to rest;" "We grieve because of the cruel hand of Death, but with God it is the coming home of his children." MR. W. A. DOOL1TTLE. The subject of the following sketch is a native of New York but removed at an early age with his parents to the far west — settling in Illinois, removing thence to Wisconsin and afterwards to Iowa, acquir- ing such rudiments of an education as the scanty opportunities of the frontier afforded, going sometimes as far as six miles on foot to the EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 223 district, school. On the breaking out of the war he enlisted and was mustered into Company K, 5th Iowa Infantry, July 15, 1861, and served with his regiment in the south and southwest, participating in the various battles and sieges in which his regiment was engaged until August 9, 1864, when he was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Upon his return home he began the study of law with Blair & Braw- son, attorneys, of Manchester, Iowa. In 1868 he came to Kansas, settling in this county, and was admitted to the bar in 1870, when court was held in the upper part of what is now known as the old Kaufman building. John T. Morton was the judge of the district court at that time, and Samuel R. Weed, clerk. Mr. Doolittle held several positions of trust in Wabaunsee county, among others that of county attorney, to which he was several times elected. He was for years identified with the public schools, teaching at Alma, but the greater portion of the time he chose to teach in the country districts, where he could the better prepare himself for his chosen profession — that of the law. By close study and constant application Mr. Doolittle became a thoroughly educated, well informed man, possessing the confidence and esteem of the people. Although now a resident of Iowa, the greater part of his life was spent in Wabaunsee county, where Mr. Doolittle has left a host of friends and a record of which he may well be proud. MR. B. BUCHLI, SR. (Dec'd) Was born and raised in Switzerland. In his early days he received a thorough training in the excellent system of common schools in his native country, and afterwards took a full course of instruction in the higher branches and among others that of trigonometry and surveying at Schiers Seminary, graduating with honors. This is a school where normal methods are taught and the fact that Mr. Buchli held a life certificate to teach was an evidence that he was assiduous in his efforts to gain the topmost ronnd of the ladder. According to national cus- tom, Mr. Buchli served his allotted time in the Swiss army, holding, when his services were concluded, the rank of first lieutenant. In 1870 he came to Kansas; and after having lived five years on a home- stead in Riley county, moved to Wabaunsee county. After coming to America Mr. Buchli resumed his former occupation of teaching and taught successfully some of the best schools in the county, among others, the schools at Halifax and Alma. Mr. Buchli was elected county surveyor in 1891 and re-elected in 1893, dying in office but a few days prior to the close of his second term — leaving to an estimable family, as an heritage, a life spent in honest and conscientious endeavor — looking to the attainment of the highest ideals in the life here, and a peaceful haven of rest, beyond the grave, in the hereafter. 224 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. SAMUEL WELFELT In 1892 was city marshal of Alma. Sam, besides upholding the dignity of the law, was the first incumbent in that office to wear a uniform of metropolitan pattern. Sam was also skilled in the art of woodcraft, furnishiner proof of his prowess in the number of beaver and otter pelts, mink hides and skins of other wild animals, the pres- ence of which in our county was hardly suspected until ocular proof rendered a denial out of the question. After a few months sojourn in the wilds of the Indian Territory, Sam moved with his family to the Pacific coast, where as captain and owner of the "Katie Thomas," he is making a fortune in the fishing industry. H. J. PALENSKE Was born September 10, 1860, in Richardson county, Kansas, now known as Wabaunsee county. Received a common school education. Was raised on a farm till he was 17 years old, He then came to Alma and worked a year for Kinne & Kerans, again returning to the farm for one year, after which he returned to town and held a position in the store of F. C. Simon, dealer in general merchandise, for two years. On March 20, 1891, Herman again returned to the farm. The follow- ing fall Mr. Palenske was elected sheriff of Wabaunsee county, enter- ing upon the duties of this office January 11, 1902. At the close of his term he was re-elected, giving the people four years of honest and efficient service as sheriff. Mr. Palenske was united in marriage to Miss Marion Ross, of Mis- sion creek, on February 3, 1892. Since the close of his second term of office as sheriff, Mr. Palenske has resided on his farm, one mile south of Alma, where contentment reigns in a happy home. HIRAM WARD Was born in Grayson county, Virginia, January 27, 1837. He was brought up on a farm, and in his early life had but few educational privileges, having attended school not to exceed 18 months altogether. There was no system of common schools in Virginia and subscription schools during the winters supplied but meagerly the wants of the people. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Ward removed to Benton county, Arkansas, where he married and lived until November, 1862, when he came to EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 225 Kansas, locating at Tecumseh, Shawnee county. At that time his worldly possessions consisted of a horse and fifty cents in money. The condition of his finances compelled him to work on the farm or in the quarries as a day laborer. When Lawrence was burned and her loyal citizens murdered he took an active part in organizing the Second Regiment of Kansas Re- serves, being elected second lieutenant of Company C, and when called into service took an active part in the campaign on the border in 1864. He was a participant in the battle of the Blue under Curtis and Blunt. In 1864, Mr. Ward moved to Osage county and engaged in stock raising, establishing the School Creek herd of Shorthorns. For three years he was president of the Osage County Fair Associa- tion. For ten years he was engaged in the mercantile business, at Harveyville, where he died Nov. 10, 1895, highly respected by all. Mr. Ward was a liberal contributor to church organizations and all charitable enterprises. He was frank and courageous in his con- victions and an earnest advocate of what he considered just and right. J. H. JONES Was born in Washington county, Virginia, February 27, 1828. Attended the common schools of the country until able to do farm work, when he was kept from school to work upon the farm, having mastered Websters's Elementary spelling book to the word immate- riality. Could read by stopping to spell many of the words, could not Write or compute with figures, beyond simple addition, subtraction and multiplication. At the age of 18 he prevailed on his father to send him to school. He went to a high school six months, and was again put to work on the farm and denied further school privileges. All his leisure moments on the farm were devoted to study in which he made such proficiency that at the age of 20 by permission of his father he taught public school. Before he arrived at the age of 21 was appointed deputy county surveyor of Smyth county, Virginia, and soon thereafter was elected county surveyor of the same county for a term of seven years. During this time he devoted his spare hours to the study of law, his hours for study being from 9 p. m. to 3 a. m. He was admitted to the bar in 1S55, coming to Kansas the same year. The following year Mr. Jones was married. He was twice elected to the legislature, being a member of the House in 1863 and of the state Senate in 1865-6. In 1864 he was captain of a company of state militia, participating in the battle of the Blue, near Wesport, Mis- souri, in October. From 1865 to 1868 Mr. Jones was engaged as civil engineer in the 226 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. location and construction of the U. P. Railway. In 1882 lie was re-engaged in railway construction for the Union Pacific. Mr. Jones became a resident of Wabaunsee county in 1880 and engaged in farming until 1890 when he was elected county attorney, being re-elected two years later, and elected county surveyor in 1897, in every case running ahead of his ticket and elected by good majori- ties. Mr. Jones occupies an enviable place in the hearts of the people irrespective of party affiliations, and he has a host of warm friends who hope that he will again consent to serve them in the capacity of a public official. D. U. MILLISON Was born Nov. 10, 1862, at Council Grove, where his parents had lived for many years, his father being employed by the Government as blacksmith for the Kaw Indians. The subject of this sketch was educated at the Council Grove High School, being a graduate of that institution. On Sept. 3, 1891, Mr. Millison was married to Miss Ida B. Wibert, of Andover, Ohio. Two children, David Oren, and Nellie Avilda, twins, were born to this union. Mr. Millison is a school teacher by profession, having taught 15 terms in Wabaunsee county, 6 terms in Nebraska, and 1 term in West Virginia, while there on a visit. In 1898 he was elected trustee of Rock creek township and in Nov., 1899, register of deeds of Wabaun- see county, a position he now holds, the term being extended one year by legislative enactment. When a child of six years, on July 3, 1868, Mr. Millison distinctly remembers being hustled into a large building with all the women and children, while all the available men of Council Grove and vicinity were in arms to repel a threatened attack from the Cheyenne Indians, A painstaking official and an excellent penman, Mr. Millison bids fair to become his own successor in the office of register of deeds for Wabaunsee county. T. S. SPIELMAN Was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 22, 1844, and was edu- cated in the public schools of that city. In 1860, removed to Washing- ton county, Maryland. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army, having joined the Baltimore battery of Light Artillery, under command of Captain Fred. W. Alexander, a prominent citizen of Baltimore. He was discharged from the army on June 17, 1865, and was en- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 227 gaged during his term of service mostly in the Shenandoah Valley and on the borders of Western Maryland. His battery was with Milroy at the battle of Winchester and with Wallace at the battle of Monocacy, and in several minor engagements in Virginia. After the close of the war he taught a public school near the Antietam battle ground, at Keedysville, Maryland. In 1866 he returned to his native city, St. Louis, and in 1867 was appointed a messenger in the office of the assistant treasurer, U. S., remaining in that office until the summer of 1876, when he came to Wabaunsee, Kansas. On July 1, 1884, he was appointed clerk of the district court by Hon. Judge John Martin to fill an unexpired term in said office. At the regular elections held in 1884, 1886 and 1888 he was elected on the Republican ticket clerk of the district court. In 1890 he was a candi- date for re-election but was defeated together with all the nominees on the Republican ticket. In October, 1892, he was appointed deputy county treasurer and served in the treasurer's office six years. At the regular elections in 1898 and 1900 he was elected probate judge. Judge Spielman has been a member of the Congregational church for over twenty five years. As a public servant of the people he has performed the duties in a manner generally with satisfaction to the people. He has honestly endeavored to perform the trusts confided to him by the people in such a manner as to gain their confidence and support, and he has the friendship and good will of the people irre- spective of political affiliations as their faithful and respected public servant. C. M. ROSE Was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 10, 1839, remov- ing with his parents to Michigan when but four years of age. Came to Kansas in 1858, going to Eldorado where he worked in a saw mill, helping to saw the first boards and assisting in building the first house built of boards in Butler county. Mr. Rose participated in some of the buffalo hunts of that season (1858) after which he returned to his home at Mendon, Mich., where he remained until August 5, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. K, 19th Michigan Infantry. While serving with his regiment Mr. Rose was in some hot chases after Morgan; was at Fort Donaldson, Nashville, and Franklin; with Rosecranz at Chattanooga and Sherman at Atlanta. Was twice wounded— at Spring Hills, Tenn., and at Dallas, Ga., the wound he received at Dallas preventing his being with Sherman in his march to 228 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. the sea. Surrendered with his regiment, Col. Coburn, commanding, at Spring Hills, and sent to Libby prison, where, after 30 days, he was paroled and sent North. After recovering from wounds received at Dallas, he was on detached service, till the close of the war. General Shatter was major of the regiment in which Mr. Rose en- listed—surrendering at Spring Hills to General Wheeler— who fought under Shatter at Santiago. In 1873 Mr. Rose came to Alma, where he has since made his home, doing a thriving business in pumps and windmills, unusually hale and hearty at the age of 63 years. FRED A. SEAMAN Was born at Elmore, Portage county, Obio, on August 16, 1866. He attended the Greenspring, Ohio, public schools for six years, gradu- ating in May, 1884. After an attendance of two years at the Green- spring Academy Mr. Seaman came to Kansas, locating in Wabaunsee county, where he has since resided. After teaching the Keene schools for three years, Mr. Seaman came to Alma, where he taught three terms, being principal of the Alma City schools two years. After another year as principal of the Eskridge schools, Mr. Seaman taught the home school on Mission creek (Dist. No. 4) for five consecutive years. # During this time, besides looking after the work of the farm Mr. Seaman spent his evenings in studying law, being admitted to the bar in May, 1899. In November, 1900, he was elected to the office of county attorney, the nomination coming to him without solicitation— it being a clear case of the office seeking the man. i On September 30. 1891, Mr. Seaman was happily married to Miss Ada Gillis, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Gillis, of Mission creek. Subsequent to his marriage, Mr. Seaman took a post graduate course at Campbell University that he might the more satisfactorily— to himself, at least, fight the battle of life. That be will succeed is evidenced by his energetic and progressive spirit— made manifest in the performance of his duties as county attorney and as editor of the Alma Signal. MRS. WALPURGE DAUM Is kindly remembered by every old settler in the German settle- ments of the Mill creek valley. Her pleasant greeting insured a hearty welcome from her regular patrons who awaited her coming that their surplus stores of butter and eggs might be exchanged for the many things needed in the humble houses of the early pioneers. When it EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 229 was suggested to Photographer Bliss that he take her picture she insisted that it should look as natural as life and she straightway adjusted her pack for the occasion. Inside the sack was a large tin vessel with compartments for butter and eggs that she took in exchange for the goods bought of Schmitz & Meyer, at that time the only merchants in Alma. While on the farm on Loire creek, now owned by Mr. Frank Oehmann, the woman peddler supplied the good people of Alma with the best of fresh vegetables, invariably bringing her wares to town on foot. The supplies for the farm were carried as shown in the photo and whether the load consisted of a few bundles of dry goods or a hun- dred pound sack of flour there was no hesitation about making the trip. After the death of her husband the woman peddler moved to Alma, occupying the little frame building between the Commercial House and Mr. Simon's store. But a fatal illness came on and the familiar face was seen no more by the thrifty housewives in the Mill creek valley. A goodly sum had been laid up for a rainy day, and a handsome donation was left with Father Hundhausen for the benefit of the Catholic church, of which organization the woman peddler was a con- sistent member. Though long years have elapsed there are hundreds of good people living in the German settlements who will readily recognize, in the engraving, one who, nearly forty years ago, was a weekly and welcome visitor. MR. WILLIAM DREBING (Dec'd) Was born in Minden, Germany, in May, 1827, coming to America in 1845, at the opening of the Mexican war. With the ardor of youth, he being at that time in bis 19th year, William enlisted in an infantry regiment but was later transferred to the artillery and participated in every important battle of the war. The young recruit had the good fortune to be with General Taylor from the time the American forces took up their march from Point Isabel until the close of the campaign — crowned with the victory over Santa Anna at Buena Vista. In this engagement Mr. Drebing was wounded by a lance thrust through the shoulder. As he lay on the battlefield, weak from the loss of blood and stiffened by the cold (the night of February 23, 1847) the gallant young soldier wes enabled to attest from personal observation that the foundation of Hon. Albert Pike's beautiful poem, "The Angels of Buena Vista," was not a myth. He was one of the many wounded whose thirst was quenched by the kind-hearted Mexican women, who knew neither friend nor foe in 230 EAELY HISTOBY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. their ministrations of mercy. Although severely wounded Mr. Dreb- ing recovered in time to join General Scott in his memorable campaign from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. After the close of the war Mr. Drebing re-enlisted for three years, doing service in New Mexico. Being thoroughly conversant with the Spanish, as well as the English and German languages, he was after his release from army duties, employed by Northrup & Chick, whole- sale merchants of Kansas City, as interpreter — necessary in their immense business with New Mexican freighters. While a resident of Missouri, Mr. Drebing was united in marriage to Miss Mary Klein. After engaging in business for several years at Wesport, Missouri, he, in company with his father-in-law, Mr. Bert- ram Klein, Mr. Henry Schmitz and Mr. Joseph Treu, came to Kansas, settling on Mill creek in 1856. During the Price raid in the civil war Mr. Drebing did service as a lieutenant, his company doing guard duty at the state capital until the threatened danger was past, after which all returned to their several homes to resume avocations of peace. Mr. Drebing was a man with whom love of home and family and loyalty to friends were leading characteristics. The golden rule was his creed and to be guided by the right in all his dealings with his fellow-man was his constant endeavor At 11:30 on Tuesday night, June 27, 1899, the spirit was called home. William Drebing had lived 73 years, 1 month and 9 days. Bevs. Silbermann and Bernard conducted the funeral services at the family residence and one of the largest funeral processions ever seen in Wabaunsee county followed the remains to their last resting place in the Alma cemetery. One of the kindest hearted men we ever knew had gone to rest. Note. Mr. Drebing was the last survivor of the Mexican war, resident of Wabaunsee county. Two others, Mr. M. W. Bock and Mr. Samuel Cummings — now in Oklahoma — were both participants in the war with Mexico. MRS. MARY LOUISA KLOCKMAN Was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on October 17, 1804, residing in the mother country till 1856, when, with her husband Mrs. Klock- man came to America, landing at New Orleans in the fall, of 1856. Coming over in the same ship were the Dieballs, Gongoll, Maike and Henry Palenske. In March, 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Klockman hired a Mexican to haul them to the Mill creek settlement. The Mexican dumped their goods out in the snow near Mr. Schewe's, and charged $40 for the trip. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 231 Across the ridge from their home lived Mr. Ed. Krapp, who kept a country store, and being away much of the time, as was Mr. Klock- man, the two pioneer women passed many lonely days together. Rut they were not always lonely. The Indians called often and sometimes at unseasonable hours. One night a big Indian broke into the cellar and after helping himself to such things as suited him came upstairs and lay before the fire till morning. Mrs. Klockman came over and as big as the Indian was she bumped his nose against the lounge till the brave concluded the climate was too warm and left. On another occasion an Indian called at the Krapp home while Mrs. Klockman was there and wanted to buy ten cents worth of chil- dren. Stepping on one of the little ones toes the little one cried, whereupon Mrs. Krapp knocked the Indian over with a broom stick and pushed him out of the back door. Mr. Gerlach's coming caused the Indian to leave. The Indian slept that night in Peter Thoes' pig pen, but next morning returned and tried to get in at a window. Mrs. Klockman pointed an old rusty gun at the Indian that hadn't been loaded for years but it. had the desired effect — the Indian yelled: "Don't shoot" and ran away. In 1864, while the Indians were having their war dances at the big spring Mr. and Mrs. Klockman slept in the timber and thought their time had come till Capt. Ed. Krapp went to their camp and induced them to return to their reservation. Mrs. Klockman says there were so many Indians that they were all day in passing. After selling their farm to Mr. Heder, Mr. and Mrs. Klockman intended to pass their declining years on the farm but one night a man called and attempted to rob the worthy couple of the proceeds of the sale of the farm. But Mrs. Klockman by her presence of mind thwarted the would-be robber. He had tied his horse in the timber and slept in the hen house till two o'clock in the morning when he went to the house and broke open the door and demanded money — pointing a revolver at Mr. Klockman. "Take the money" said Mrs. Klockman, "but don't shoot." During the parley Mr. Klockman had climbed to the attic. Mrs. Klockman soon followed, and, closing the trap door, called so loudly for help that all the dogs in the neighborhood set up a din that scared the would-be robber away. The next day a man called to borrow money and was dumbfounded by Mrs. Klockman saying: "Why, you were here last night after money; why do you come again today?" The incident resulted in these worthy people moving to Alma, since which time death has deprived Mrs. Klockman of her help-meet. Though refusing to give money to the robber the board of trustees of the Evangelical church can vouch for the good woman's generosity— 232 EAELY HISTOKY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. she having donated $600 toward the purchase of the bell and the build- ing of the spire. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Klockman is making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Zeckser. Though in her 97th year she is hale and hearty and her mental faculties are not in the least impaired. Her store of pioneer incidents is inexhaustible and she heartily enjoys their recital. P. P. SIMMONS. We present our readers with a half-tone portrait of P. P. Simmons, a specialist in auctioneering, residing at Eskridge, Kansas, but at present temporarily doing insurance work in Atchison county. Mr. Simmons' appearance would indicate that he was of a happy disposi- tion and lived in a healthful climate. Mr. Simmons was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, on Septem- ber 20, 1861, and moved with his parents to Piatt county, Missouri, when three years of age. He lived there until the spring of 1880, then moved to Atchison county, Kansas. In the spring of 1883 he moved to Wabaunsee county, where he now resides. He commenced crying sales in the year 1886 in his neighborhood and vicinity. Five years ago he put his advertisement in the Wabaunsee county papers and he has made auctioneering a regular business ever since. He is also a mem- ber of the Kansas Auctioneers' association. He makes a specialty of high grades and thoroughbred cattle and hog sales. But Mr. Simmons doesn't confine himself to the business of an auctioneer. He is a first class farmer and an all-around good fellow — just such a man as the people will be looking for in the not distant future to serve them in an official capacity. They could make no better selection. H. G. LICHT Was born in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark, and received his education in that city. At the age of 14 he was bound over to his uncle for five years for the purpose of learning the trade of painter, continuing with him for six years. At the age of 22 he arrived in the city of New York and there joined the Long-Shore Ship Painters association and had to serve again a short apprenticeship to become a full member. He managed to live through his apprenticeship with his board and $15 per week. He afterwards received $3.50 a day and nine hours work; was member of this organization five years. In order to learn EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 233 the English language he attended night school in the city of New York. " A strike occurring in 1869, Mr. Licht's ideas and the association's did not agree and he came west to Topeka, Kansas. After stopping two years in Topeka he came to Wabaunsee county in the fall of 1871. Mr. Licht was four times elected to the office of clerk of the dis- trict court and once as county clerk. After retiring from public office he accepted a position as book- keeper in the Topeka sugar works and afterwards was transferred to the Attica works, which, unfortunately, made an assignment. Mr. Licht remained with the assignee about three months, when he re- turned to Alma. For a number of years past Mr. Licht has made his home in To- peka. But the best part of his life has been spent in Wabaunsee county, among friends, who, on five different occasions, by their votes, have endorsed his official work in two of the best offices within the gift of the people. C. E. SMITH, M. D. Was born in Jersey county, Illinois, on October 4, 1865. Took a normal course at the Indiana State Normal at Valparaiso, Indiana, and after his graduation at that institution taught seven years in the schools of his native state. Took a course in medicine and surgery at the Louisville Medical college, of Louisville, Kentucky, graduating in the class of '93, also a post-graduate course at the Rush Medical college, of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Smith came to Kansas in 1893, locating in Brown county, where, two years later he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Small, of Hiawatha. During his three years residence in Alma Dr. Smith has built up an excellent practice and the many difficult and complicated surgical operations performed under the Doctor's immediate supervision attest a thorough knowledge of his profession and insure a continuance of that success that has attended him during his residence among the people of Wabaunsee county. JOHN T. KEAGY Was born November 2, 1840, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Grew up on a farm. Enlisted as a private in Company D, 101st Regt. Penn. Volunteers. Was wounded at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31, 1802 and discharged on account of wound December 20, 1862. Read law at Bedford, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar at Bedford in 234 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. February, 1865. After five years practice at Bedford, Mr. Keagy came West, locating at Alma in 1870. In 1872 Mr. Keagy was elected county attorney, to which position he was re-elected two years later. In 1880 he was elected to the office of probate judge, serving the people four successive terms. In two of the four campaigns there was no opposing candidate. Mr. Keagy's thorough knowledge of the law is recognized by his long continuance in the office of justice of the peace, a position to which the people, irrespective of party lines, have for years persisted in electing one of our oldest and most highly esteemed citizens. No man in Wabaunsee county takes a greater interest in archaeo- logical research than does Mr. Keagy, his collection of prehistoric curios furnishing ample proof of the statement. He is chairman of the executive committee of the Quivira Historical Society of which the Hun. J. V. Brower, of St. Paul, Minn., is president. The society is doing much towards unraveling the long hidden mysteries connected with the explorations of Coronado in 1541. BARTHOLOMEW BUCHLI Was born at Versan, Canton Grison, Switzerland, August 24, 1862. Came to Riley county, Kansas, with his parents in 1870, and to Wa- baunsee county in 1876. Attended the common schools, after which he graduated at the Kansas State Agricultural college, class of '84, and at the Iowa State college, class of ; 86. Taught in the schools of Wabaunsee county for eight years and is now a member of the Alma school board. Mr. Buchli was elected county clerk in 1897 and re-elected in 1899. He is a competent and painstaking official, and enjoys in an enviable degree the confidence of the people. MR. HENRY SCHM1TZ (Dec'd) Was born in the village of Wahn, near Cologne, in Germany. The rebellion of 1848 found him a young man of 25 years, an active and leading participant in what he considered a just cause. But disaster followed and the persecutions in store for the adherents of the lost cause drove thousands of tbe participants to America. Among these came Mr. Schmitz, who landed in America in 1852. Four years later he came to Kansas, settling on the Klein farm, now owned by Mr. Charles Burgett. In 1866, together with Mr. Joseph Treu, Dr. Brasche, Ed. Krapp, G. Zwanziger and others organized the Alma Town company. The EABLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 235 firm of Schmitz & Meyer was established and for years conducted the largest business in Wabaunsee county. Mr. Schmitz was foremost in every undertaking that gave promise of good to Alma. He was ever at the front, with his means and coun- sel, to build up the city. Though never seeking an office, he took an active part in party organization and for years the influence of no other resident of the county exceeded that wielded by Mr. Henry Schmitz — the conditions suggesting the sobriquet of "King Henry" — at first used in an ironical sense by his opponents — who in each suc- ceeding campaign were furnished additional proof that the term was anything but a misnomer. But in the privacy of his home— surrounded by his estimable fam- ily, the true worth, the characteristic traits, of one of our foremost citizens shone brightest. Here, with those in whom his affections were centered, he loved to pass his later years. Here, with reading and study, Uncle Henry stored his mature mind with knowledge, that, added to a long life of usefulness among his fellow men rendered his companionship more than usually enjoyable. An eventful career was closed at his home, near Alma, on Friday, April 7, 1893, at the ripe age of 69 years, 10 months and 26 days. . No other man in Wabaunsee county had so great a number of his fellow citizens bound to him by the ties of consanguinity. No one was more highly esteemed and the death of no individual in our midst could cause so wide a feeling of regret, such depth of sorrow, or create within the breasts of his fellows a more vivid realization of the trans- itory nature of all things earthly. MR. MICHAEL HUND (Dec'd) Was born in Baden, Germany, September 22, 1824. Eight years later the family came to America, first settling on a farm near St. Charles, Missouri. Here, in 1848, Mr. Hund was married to Miss Ger- trude Borgmeyer, of St. Charles. Three children blessed this union — Mrs. Mary Guth, MOritz, and Michael Hund, Jr. In 1855 the family moved to Mankato, Minnesota, but Mrs. Hund died before their destination was reached. Mr. Hund was married a second time to Miss Otilda Peters, of St. Charles, Missouri, who still survives. To this union, six children were born, five of whom are now living, Joseph, Leo, Phillip, Mrs. Francis Meinhardt and Mrs. Theresa Glotzbach. In 1872, Mr. Hund moved to Kansas, settling in Newbury town- ship. His eight children are all married and with the exception of Leo, all reside in Newbury township — being, as was their father before them, leading and influential citizens. 236 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. By his upright conduct; by his forgiving spirit, and by his kind- ness of heart Mr. Hund gained for himself, in a marked degree, the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. Mr. Hund was a pioneer in the truest sense of the term— having lived in Minnesota at the time of the Spirit Lake massacre in 1862. The family lived in close proximity to the death-dealing Sioux — his farm being but a few miles distant from New Ulm, that was almost completely destroyed by the murderous Sioux in one of their raids in the fall of 1862. Mr. Hund died at his home in Newbury township on Monday, June 27, 1898, honored and beloved by all. P. L. WOODY Was born May 4, 1833, at Dahlonega, Georgia, removing to Platte county, Missouri, in 1866, and to Kansas in 1870, locating on the Sno- komo, where he still resides. Was married July 4, 1856, in Lumpkin county, Georgia, ten children being born to this union. Though by no means a politician, Mr. Woody has always had a voice in the coun- cils of his party, attested by his familiar presence at state and county conventions. He has been treasurer of Newbury township and for eighteen years has been a member of the school board. He has always been active in church work and has availed himself of every opportun- ity to advance any good cause that gave promise of the betterment of his fellows. MRS. ELIZA WOODY (Dec'd) Was born January 6, 1833, in Hebersham county, Georgia, and died of pneumonia, at the family home on the Snokomo, on January 8, 1901. To make home happy was her constant endeavor; to minister to the sick and to care for the afflicted was with her a Christian duty — that when- the Angel of Death should beckon, the spirit might find rest in that Home made without hands, eternal in the Heavens. MR. JACOB HORNE (Dec'd) Was born in Baden, Germany, July 8, 1837, but came to America with his parents when but an infant, being but a year old when the family first made their home in Chicago. In 1840, the family moved to Jamestown, Wisconsin, where Mr. Home passed the greater part of his life. In 1862, Mr. Home was married to Miss Victoria Lang, of James- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 237 town. Here, the five children, three sons and two daughters, were horn. In 1883, the family came to Alma, where Mr. Home died, on August 7, 1899, at the age of 62 years and 29 days. Love of home and family were characteristic traits of one who was highly esteemed for his many good qualities of head and heart. With generosity and kindness the strong bond of friendship was cemented with the many who revere the memory of one who was always ready to lend a helping hand in the hour of need — of one to whom the hand seeking charity was never extended in vain. MR. HERMAN SCHULTHE1S (Dec'd) Was born at Neustadt, Hesse Cassel, Germany, on June 10, 1833, coming to America when a young man of 19 years, first locating at Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of harness maker: came to Osage county in 1857, taking a claim on the Wakarusa. In 1865, came to Wabaunsee county settling on the farm where he died on August 8, 1899, at the age of 66 years, 1 month, and 28 days. In 1864, Mr. Schultheis was married to Miss Marguerite Ricker- shauser. To this union three daughters were born; Mrs. Henry Wertzberger, Mrs. Herman Wertzberger, and Mrs. Nick Thoes. Generous to a fault, the soul of probity and honor, no man stood in higher esteem with his fellows than did Herman Schultheis. His word was as good as his bond, and a promise made by him was as sure of fulfillment as the rising of the morning's sun. WATERS CHILLSON Was born in the city of Rochester, N. Y., March 2, 1843, removing with his parents soon after to Oswego county, where he grew to man- hood on a farm. In April, 1861, he enrolled as a member of Co. C, 24th New York infantry, serving two years, when he was discharged, but again enlisted — this time in Co. A, 24th N. Y. cavalry, where he re- mained till the close of the war. Was twice wounded — on June 18, 1804, and on April 5, 1865, being discharged from Hix hospital in Baltimore. In September, 1865, Mr. Chillson was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Gardner, of Pennsylvania, in which state he resided but a short time, when he returned to his old home in New York. In 1866, Mr. Chillson moved to Michigan, where he opened up a farm, served the people as supervisor, sheriff (4 years), deputy sheriff, and marshal. Came to Kansas in '76, locating in Saline county, where he kept store and postoffice for 9 years, was trustee 7 years and during the time managed to cultivate 400 acres of land and raise a few cattle 238 EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. and horses. He then came to Alma, bought the Commercial Hotel, kept store in the Odd Fellows building, speculated some in lands and patent rights, developed some valuable mining property in Oklahoma, and occasionally bobs up as a delegate to state and county conventions — just to let his friends and others know he is on earth — a fact they never fail to recognize. Has lots of friends and a few enemies. Is independent of the one and loyal to the other. WYATT ROUSH Was born near Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, on July 10, 1858, coming to Kansas with his parents in 1879. Enjoyed excellent educa- tional privileges at the Hillsboro High School, supplementing his work here by a course in the Normal school at Carlisle, Kentucky. For five years was engaged in teaching, two years in Ohio, and three, in Kansas. Was married on September 22, 1881, to Miss Martha A. Parmiter, three sons and two daughters being born to this union. Mr. Roush served the people of his home township (Plumb) five years as treasurer, and three years, as trustee. Was elected clerk of the district court in 1898, and re-elected in 1900. He is a capable official, and is conscientious in the performance of the duties of his office. FRANZ MEIER Was born in Mecklenburg Schwerin, on July 7, 1821, coming to America, landing at New York on July 13, 1846. Located first in Wis- consin, where he remained six years, when he went to St. Louis. Came to Kansas in 1854, locating on Pottawatomie creek, in Anderson county, where he lived during the troublous times in 1856. Helped bury the three Doyles, Will Sherman, and Nicholson, killed by John Brown and 15 others, on the 22nd of May, the same year. Was twice robbed by Jayhawkers in '56. The settlers took part on one side or the other, and robbed their nearest neighbors. Was one of the county commissioners of Anderson county when the county was organized. Since 1859 has been a resident of Wabaunsee county. While residing in Wisconsin, Mr. Meier was married to Miss Augusta Stranze, on January 31, 1850, four children resulting from this union. While a student at college Mr. Meier took a course in civil engineering, the knowledge standing him in good stead in the early settlement of Kansas. He is an excellent draughtsman, a good penman, and though 81 years of age he appears twenty years younger. His kindness of heart, and genial manner make a favorable impres- sion on all with whom he comes in contact. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 239 ED. MANN Was born on March 2, 1870, in Jefferson county, Kansas. Came to Wabaunsee county in 1881, living on a farm near Eskridge until 1895, when he came to Alma. When the President's call for volunteers was issued Ed went forth to battle for his country, enlisting in Co. G, of the 21st Kansas. Fought the hardest battle of his life in the malarial atmosphere in the military camp at Chickamauga, emerging from the conflict unscathed. Mr. Mann is an expert jeweler; is always busy, and is ever earnest in his desire to please his patrons. T. J. PERRY Was born in North Carolina, April 20, 1868, his parents coming the following year to Kansas, locating in Chase county. Since his 19th year Mr. Perry has been identified with the work of teaching, first in Chase county, and since 1896 in Wabaunsee county. Was mar- ried August 25, 1892, to Miss Parthena Harrison, of Emporia, four children being born to this union. A thorough course of instruction in our excellent system of common schools has been supplemented by a business college course and at the State Normal school at Emporia. Mr. Perry is also taking correspondence work from Chicago University and Zaneriah Art College, of Columbus, Ohio. In November, 1900, Mr. Perry was elected to the office of superin- tendent of schools for Wabaunsee county, which position he now holds. He is active and earnest in educational work, and is up-to-date in all that pertains to his chosen profession. JOSEPH LaFONTAINE Was born in Luxemburg, Belgium, on October 20, 1841, coming to America in 1857, locating in Brown county, Ohio, where, on October 23, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Jacquet, three children, two sons and a daughter being born to this union. In 1877, Mr. LaFontaine came to Kansas — on the farm formerly owned by Dr. E. B. Allen, former secretary of state. Though never aspiring to office, Mr. LaFontaine has been twice elected trustee and for seven terms was elected to the office of treasurer of his home township — Wabaunsee. Was elected treasurer of Wabaunsee county in 1899 and is the present incumbent in one of the most important offices in the gift of the people. Is a capable and efficient officer and enjoys in a high degree the confidence of his constituents. 240 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. GOTTLIEB NOLLER Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 20, 1856, coming to America in 1881. The following year was married to Miss Theresa Rebholz, of Cleveland, Ohio, to whom three sons were born. While in the Fatherland Mr. Noller served three years in the German army, being a corporal in the 29th Wurtemburg Artillery. Came to Kansas in ]884 and engaged in farming until 1897, when he took charge of the Hotel Paxico. After four years of success in the hotel business here Mr. Noller bought the Denver House at McFarland, where he is now running one of the best hotels in the county on up-to-date principles. Besides the hotel Mr. Noller owns 340 acres of good farming land. He is popular with the traveling public, with whom he has established a good reputation as a landlord. H. B. CHANNELL Was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on November 15, 1848, com- ing with his parents to Kansas in 1857, when but nine years of age. the family locating in Nehama county. In 1890, Mr. Channel! came to this county, settling on a good farm in Rock Creek township, where he now resides. On New Years day, 1869, was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Armstrong, of America City, Nemaha county. Three sons and two daughters, with their parents constitute the family in the Channell home. Besides farming Mr. Channell has followed the busi- ness of auctioneer since 1884. Is hail fellow, well met with the boys, and possesses the faculty of getting the full value of any property placed on sale in his hands — a fact proven by his constantly increasing patronage. EDWARD A. KILIAN Was born September 1, 1828, at Giessen. Grand Duchy of Hesse, Germany. Educated in public schools, Real and Polytechnic school, Darmstadt, and Normal school, at Friedburg. Came to the United States in consequence of participation in the Revolution of 1848, arriv- ing in New York October 12, 1849. Taught school in Illinois, Missouri. and Kansas. In 1876-79 was assistant in the Museum of the Society of Natural Science, in Buffalo, N. Y. Came to Kansas in August, 1879, since which time he has resided in Alma. Was principal of the Alma schools three years and of the German-English Academy at Leavenworth one year. In 1884-85 did journalistic work on the Leav- enworth Freie Presse. Enlisted June 14, 1861, in the 1st Missouri EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. v< |R w 5 a O C K) Z H H M > Z EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY.KAN. MR. HORACE ADAMS'S RESIDENCE AND ELEVATOR, Maple Hill. WOODMAN TEAM, Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. TABLEAU AT CLOSE OF ALMA CITY SCHOOLS. RESIDENCE OF MRS. HENRY RONNAU, Kaw Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. AN INTERESTING FAMILY — ALMA. A FORMER POPULAR SHERIFF OUT SERVING A WRIT. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. GRADUATING CLASS, ESKRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, 1902. A GROUP OF GOOD FELLOWS, Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 241 Light Artillery. Participated in the capture of Camp Jackson, in action at Booneville, Dug Spring, and Wilson's Creek, where he received severe wound in right arm. Discharged November 16, 1861, on account of wounds. In November, 1862, enlisted in Co. A, 17th Missouri Infantry; promoted to sergeant-major, and adjutant. Par- ticipated in Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns. Discharged Septem- ber 24, 1864. Mr. Kilian has one of the best libraries in the county; is well versed in conchology and takes an active interest in historical and archaeological research. Has contributed quite a number of valued contributions to the magazines and literary journals — many of which have been highly appreciated by the reading public. MARK SAGE Was born in Somerset Shire, England, on April 28, 1836, came to Onondaga county, New York, in 1850, and to Dover, Kansas, in July, 1857. In 1863, freighted across the plains for the government with an ox team, hauling corn. In 1864 he built the stone house at the head of Mill creek on the Council Grove road, known as Copp's station. This was on the line of the Topeka and Council Grove mail route. The mail was carried in a canvas covered hack drawn by two horses-, changing drivers and horses at the old station. John Copp had charge of the station several years until the mail route was discontinued, when he moved to Paxico. Mark has probably built more bridges and stone houses in Wabaunsee county than any other one man. Though not far from the three score and ten mark he is as stout as an ox and one of the most obliging men in the county. When he learned inci- dentally that we wanted the photo of the ugliest man in the county he sent bis own as quick as he could get it in the mail. But we must admit that his is the handsomest picture for an ugly man to sit for we ever saw. While going through the world Mark believes in looking on the bright side and but few men can scatter more sunshine along life's pathway than Mark Sage. Note. In February, 1868, a tragedy was enacted at the old Copp station that has no parallel in the history of Wabaunsee county. The station was dismantled then and the bare walls were anything but inviting. But while moving from Alma in March a nephew of W. H. Morrison's was prompted to take a look at the old station. In the deserted stable he was horrified to find the body of a man apparently dead for several weeks. Dr. Brasche was coroner then, John Pinker- ton, sheriff, and Mr. W. H. Lyons, his deputy. Dr. Brasche held an inquest, Mr. Lyons securing the jury. The man's skull had been frac- tured in three places by blows from a heavy cattle- whip, Dr. Brasche giving it as his opinion that either one would have caused death. The mark of a heavy money belt was plainly visible about the body and the 242 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. man's pants were covered with white horse-hairs. About six weeks before two men had stopped at Mr. Sebring's, on Mill creek, stating that they were on their way to Texas to buy cattle. One of the men was riding a white horse. The next night a man leading a white horse stopped at Gideon Baughman's, on Elm creek. Mr. W. A. Doo- little was boarding at Baughman's, teaching school in the old log school house in the Sanner district (No. 13). Mr. Lyons buried the man just outside of the old stable. The weather was very cold and the man had wrapned about his feet pieces of an Atchison paper. In December, 1895, while in charge of the Taylor dry goods assignment Mr. Lyons was approached by a cattleman from Texas, who inquired if the dead body of a man had been found at Copp's station in 1868. On Mr. Lyons stating that he had buried the man murdered, the cattleman stated that in October a man had been hung in Texas for stealing cattle and on the scaffold had confessed to the murder of his employer at Copp's station in 1868. The ruins of the old station are plainly visible from the car window at the head of the Copp branch of Mill creek, two miles northwest of Eskridge. No inquiries were ever received of the young man who had left home with bright prospects before him— of making a fortune in the cattle business. ANDREW BELL. Robert Bell was a gardener and botanist of Dumfries Shire, Scot- land, and Mrs. Bell was raised in one of the romantic glens of the highlands of Perth Shire. Mr. Bell, Sr. and wife came to America in 1849, settling in New York, and five years later came to Wisconsin, and to Kansas in 1878, where, ten years later, Mr. Bell, Sr. died, on July 24th. Mrs. Robert Bell then lived with her son till her death on February 6, 1899, when she died at the advanced age of 100 years. Andrew, the only son, removed with his parents to Wisconsin when five years of age. He was raised on the farm, receiving a common school education, supplemented by one term at an academy. When not engaged in farming worked at carpentry and blacksmithing. When of age he went to the Wisconsin pineries where he learned saw-milling and much about machinery. Came to Kansas in February, 1877, and in September was married to Miss Rebeka Heberlein, To this happy union four children were born, three of whom are now living. The two daughters, Lulu and Bertha, 20 and 17 years of age, respectively, are graduates of the St. Marys High School, and the son, Andrew, while but ten years of age, promises to be an expert mechanic, know- ing more about the steam engine than the average person at sixty. With the exception of two years in the grocery business at St. Marys and a short time in Flagstaff, Arizona, Mr. Bell has lived on his farm ever since coming to Kansas. Mr. Bell runs his farm on up-to-date principles. Does mixed farm- ing and has a large irrigating pump for use in dry seasons. He also EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 243 runs a large steam thresher and his shop is a model of convenience, being supplied with all kinds of blacksmith and carpenter's tools, lathe, and gasoline engine, enabling him to do all his machine repair- ing. From a financial standpoint Mr. Bell has made farming a suc- cess, having accumulated about $20,000 as the result of industry and good management. Has been elected four times trustee of Kaw township and is now serving the people as county commissioner, receiving, practically, the unanimous vote of his home township (Kaw), a deserved endorsement of one of our best and most popular citizens. RUDOLPH ARNDT Was born on April 21, 1829, at Koenigsburg, Prussia, coming to America and to Kansas in September, 1860, locating on the farm where he has since made his home. For years the Templin settlement was on the border in its truest sense. It was but a few miles to the Kaw reserve and that tribe being engaged in constant warfare with the Pawnees, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes the settlers lived in a state of apprehension by reason of possible raids from either the Kaws or the more hostile and aggressive tribes of the plains. The old stone fort (see page 113) was built in anticipation of one of these possible raids. Inasmuch as a war party of Cheyennes appeared in sight of Council Grove as late as 1868 it will be readily seen that the fears of the set- tlers about Templin were not entirely groundless. During the sum- mer of that year while Mr. Adolph Zeckser was on a visit with friends at Templin he was surprised to find the Arndt home deserted. The doors were wide open but nobody at home. Nobody at home at Fet- tings. But going to the Wolgast home the mystery was explained. The settlers had gathered together for protection from an expected raid. The men were all moulding bullets and the women were there to assist in case they could be of service. The old stone fort was still standing and here the settlers repaired when night came. The storm blew over but the Kaws at the Grove didn't get off without a fight. At the Grove, too, the women and children were hustled into the Mission building for protection. Three years later the smallpox left a trail of death in the Templin settlement, invading among other homes that of Mr. Arndt. In the years gone by Rudolph's influence was always sought in the heat of political campaigns. Though never seeking office himself he was always ready to lend a helping hand to his friends. He is a man of influence with his neighbors, warm-hearted by nature and is ever anxious to welcome a friend beneath his hospitable roof. 244 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. S. E. HULL Was born in Marion county, Ohio, on February 4, 1842. Was united in marriage to Miss Pheribee Martin, on December 27, 1866. Came to Kansas in the fall of 1877, locating- on the farm he now owns, near Eskridge. On May 9, 1861, enlisted as a musician in Co. C, 26th Ohio Infantry, re-enlisting in January, 1864. Participated in engage- ments at Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, At- lanta, Franklin, and thence to Texas, where he was mustered out at Victoria, in October, 1865, having served 4 years, 6 months, and 7 days. Mr. Hull was nine times elected trustee of Wilmington township and served the people two years as sheriff, showing himself to be a capable and efficient officer, having, during his term, been put to the most rigid tests by some of the slickest prisoners ever confined in the Alma jail. As a band leader he has few equals and no superior — the Alma Volun- teer, band furnishing an excellent example of what can be accom- plished by skill, untiring energy, and persistent application. In June, 1901, Mr. Hull took charge of the New Commercial House in Alma and by his tact, good judgment, and genial manner has made his hotel one of the popular stopping places on the line of the Rock Island. MICHAEL McWILLlAMS Was born in County Derry, Ireland, on March 5, 1829, coming to America in May, 1854, and to Kansas in 1868, locating on the farm where he now resides. Was married February 22, 1876, to Miss Maria McDonald, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at St. Marys, Kansas, three sons and a daughter coming to bless a pleasant home. Besides "Pete and Henry"— Reding and Ronneau, Mr. McWil- liams was the first white settler in what is now Kaw township. But he had plenty of neighbors — all Pottawatomies. Mr. McWilliams was for years one of the most influential men of Kaw township and though 73 years of age hasn't lost his interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of the people. Looks twenty years younger than is shown by the family record and is as spry as a man of fifty. FREDERICK L. RAYMOND Was born August 11, 1851, on a farm at Westboro, Worcester county, Massachusetts. After attending the town schools and the high school, he spent two years at Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, Mass. After being employed two years in a wholesale canned goods EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 245 house in Boston came West and settled eleven miles northeast of Colorado Springs to try his luck with sheep. As the western terminus of the Santa Fe Railway at that time was at Granada (the west line of Kansas) and there was a stage ride of about 150 miles to Colorado Springs that made the country rather new to a New England boy the romance soon wore off. Having a chance to clo.se out he drifted to Kansas, arriving at Wamego, May 31, 1874, and the next day drove down through the Mill creek valley, and soon located in Maple Hill township, where he has since resided. On the building of the Rock Island through the farm Mr. Raymond was instrumental in securing a flag station and postoffice that was named Yera. Mr. Raymond was elected county commissioner in 1880, and representative in the state legislature in 1884. Was a capable and popular official. Is happily married, has an interesting family, owns one of the best farms in the Mill creek valley, and in an enviable degree enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellows. FRANZ SCHMIDT Was born in Bay era, Germany, on January 27, 1824. Was married in May, 1850, to Miss Lidwina Eschay. Came to America in 1855, stop- ping for awhile at Covington, Kentucky, coming in the spring to Kansas, locating in the Mill creek valley just west of Alma. This was a new country then, game being plentiful everywhere — plenty of turkeys in the timber and the deer were so tame that they could fre- quently be seen feeding with the cattle. Mr. Schmidt has always been a generous contributor to the Catholic church, of which he has been a life-long and consistent member. Was made an honorary mem- ber of the Liederkranz in recognition of generous concessions to the society, their handsome grounds being located on his holdings near the City of Alma. Mr. Schmidt owns a fine farm of 640 acres adjoining the townsite of Alma and his residence is one of the many handsome stone buildings for which Alma is noted. ROBERT FIX Was bora in Berks county, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1837, coming with his father, Michael Fix, to the farm, near Volland, in the fall of 1856. Enlisted July 1, 1861, in Co. D, 20th Indiana Infantry and re- enlisted July 12, 1865, in Co. K, the 7th, 14th, and 19th having been consolidated. Was sent to Fort Hatteras, but returned to Fortress Monroe in time to witness the engagement between the Monitor and the Merrimac. The regiment was encamped at Newport News, within 300 yards of where the Congress was burned and sunk and but 246 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. half a mile from where the Cumberland went down. Participated in the seven days fight, the campaign closing with the battle of Malvern Hill. In 1865, Mr. Fix was married in Indiana, to Miss Rebecca Larch. Besides the father and mother, eight handsome daughters compose the Fix family (see illustration); named from left to right, as follows: Mrs. Mamie Brasche, Mrs. Alice Cromer, Mrs. Lida Home, Misses Pearl, Laura, Emma, Mabel, and Clara. Mr. Fix owns a fine farm of 1,000 acres near Yolland, besides much other property in Alma and Alta Yista one of the handsomest coun- try homes in the county (see illustration). Has served the people two years as county commissioner, making one of our county's most popu- lar officials. His library is well supplied with the works of the best authors, as well as current literature of the day, enabling Mr. Fix to keep well posted on the issues before the people. MARTIN MUCKENTHALER Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, on January 2, 1825. In March, 1858, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Eba. Left for America on March 4, 1854 — was 52 days on the water. Located in Minnesota, where he lived fifteen years, thirty miles south of St. Paul. Came to Kansas in 1859, settling on the Pottawatomie reserve, that had a short time before been thrown open to settlement. To Mr. and Mrs. Muckenthaler were born fourteen children, eight of whom are still living. Mrs. Muckenthaler died November 13, 1890, since which time Mr. Muckenthaler has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Hesse. Those who know Mr. Muckenthaler best will readily recognize in his portrait the kindly face of one of Wabaunsee county's best and leading citizens. Devout and consistent as a Christian, honorable and conscientious as a man, an obliging neighbor and a loving father, Mr. Muckenthaler occupies a warm place in the hearts of the people. ALBERT FRANCIS THAYER Was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 4, 1840. His mother dying when he was but nine months old he was adopted by an uncle. Attended the public schools in Boston, graduating from the Dwight school at the age of fifteen and enrolled as a pupil of the English high school but his brother induced him to accept a position in his grocery store, where he remained three years. Was manager and collector for the Equitable Safety Insurance Co. until 1862, when EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 247 he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 44th Mass. Volunteers. Was after- wards promoted to be 2nd sergeant. As a mark of appreciation the Insurance Co. presented him with $300, coupled with the promise of his old position at the close of his enlistment— nine months. The promise was fulfilled to the letter and Mr. Thayer retained his posi- tion until by reason of severe marine losses the company was compelled to suspend business. After filling various positions of trust, among others that of secretary and treasurer of the Huron Copper Mining Co.; secretary of the Alabama & Chattanooga R. R. Co. (which com- pany built the road from Chattanooga, Tenn., to New Orleans, La.); treasurer of the Boston Water Power Co., Mr. Thayer came to Kansas — first, on a visit that revealed the beauties of our state and created the desire to own a home in Kansas. The purchase of the fine farm of 320 acres in Maple Hill township was the result of that visit of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer to his wife's sister, Mrs. W. S. Crouch, of Maple Hill. Mr. Thayer moved with his family, in December, 1874, but after sev- eral years on the farm accepted a position with his old employers (at their urgent request) to take charge of the construction of 40 miles of the Fort Scott & Wichita R. R. — building, ironing, and equipping t,he road from Ft. Scott to Iola in less than 3 months. While on a visit to Boston was. offered and accepted the position of private secretary to Hon. Thos. Nickerson, former president of the Santa Fe R. R., but at that time engaged in building the Atlantic and Pacific, the Sonora, Southern California, and Mexican Central lines of railroad. But with a few months of confinement came the desire to again breathe the free air of Kansas. Mr. Thayer is well known in political circles, having served many times as chairman and secretary of Republican and Populist conven- tions. Has served the people of his home township — Maple Hill — one term as trustee, has filled the office of district clerk for over 20 years, and the position of superintendent of the Sunday school at the Eliot church, of Maple Hill, for three years, and treasurer of the church and cemetery for eight years, and is still one of the trustees of the church, having held the position many years. On December 10, 1867, Mr. Thayer was happily married to Miss Ellen Frances Cheney, of Newton, Mass. Four children were born to this union, two of whom are still living, Mrs. Eleanor T. Brett, and Mr. Ellis C. Thayer. Mr. Thayer is a man of honest convictions and an earnest advocate of what he believes to be right — the essential requisites of good citizen- ship. 248 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. M. W. JANES Was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1841, but the greater part of his life prior to coming to Kansas was spent at Erie, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of his parents, and where many of his relatives resided. Attended the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he entered Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pa., where he remained two years, completing the course in mathematics. Mr. Barker was president of the faculty. Board was two dollars a week. There were but few "extras" on the bill of fare but plenty of "sub- stantiate. " After a term at Bryant & Stratton's Mercantile College,* at Buffalo, N. Y., Mr. Janes accepted a position as bookkeeper for S. N. Scatcherd, an extensive lumber dealer in Buffalo. After one year with this firm returned to Erie, where he kept books for his father, who was extensively engaged in the lumber business all along the lakes. Enlisted in the first regiment raised at Erie under the three months call in 1861. Was appointed assistant commissary for the regiment, which was ordered to Pittsburg, where a large number of soldiers were encamped. Also acted as assistant commissary for the camp, under Major Derickson. of Meadville, Pa. Before the battle of Bull's Run the regiment was mustered out. Went to the oil country where his father had extensive interests. After remaining here for seven years came West, and, after looking at a good deal of country located in the northeast part of Wabaunsee county, and has never regretted his choice of location. Owns an excellent farm of 1,400 acres with a frontage of two miles on the Kaw river, with the best of water, soil, and timber. Is fifteen miles west of Topeka, on the Rock Island — near Willard— and three miles from Rossville, on the Union Pacific. Mr. Janes is an extensive raiser of Hereford cattle and trot- ting bred horses, many of which have made more than creditable records on the race courses in different parts of the country. While not a politician, Mr. Janes has taken a keen interest in matters affecting the interests of the people, especially at such times as the conditions were out of joint. Has always been regarded as one of Wabaunsee county's leading citizens and is ever at the front in forwarding public enterprises. *Mr. Spencer, father of the Spencerian System of Penmanship, was one of the instructors at this college and a great many times has sat by Mr. Janes' desk giving instructions in penmanship. Mr. Janes' penmanship, today, is an excellent endorsement of Mr. Spencer's work as an instructor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 249 J. J. MITCHELL Was born in Jasper county, Illinois, on July 19, 1854. A good common school education was supplemented by a course at St. Joseph's College, at Teutopolis, Illinois. On April 12, 1874, was united in mar- riage, at Plainfield. Illinois, to Miss Hannah Bower, four children being born to this union — a daughter, Mrs. Lillie Piersol, of Paola, Kansas, and three sons — Dr. Eden E. Mitchell, of Alma, J. J. Mitchell, Jr., assistant postmaster at Eskridge, and Joseph, who is attending school. Studied law in the office of Hon. Geo. W. Fithian, member of con- gress from Mr. Mitchell's home district. Was admitted to the bar in 1878, coming to Kansas two years later, locating at Eskridge— at that time the prospective county seat of Wabaunsee county. Mr. Mitchell stands in the foremost rank of attorneys in Wabaun- see county and is one of our leading citizens. Has represented one side of nearly every important lawsuit since his residence in the county. Has never been beaten by reason of any defect in his plead- ings — a fact that has assured his phenomenal success as a member of his chosen profession. EDWARD KRAPP Was a native of Solingen, Germany — born November 30, 1824. Landed at New Orleans, November 26, 1850, After one year on a farm near St. Louis, came to Wesport landing, Kansas City. In November, 1853, was married to Miss Mary Thoes. Came to Wabaunsee county with his brothers-in-law, Peter and Joseph Thoes, arriving March 1, 1855. Built three log houses— one each week, on their claims four miles south of Alma. Hauled goods from Westport to Fort Riley for two years over the old Mormon Trail, passing through the south part of Wabaunsee county. Then started a store on the farm — the store, for several years, being one of the busiest places in the county. From 1860 to 1888 Mr. Krapp was one of our most energetic and successful cattle dealers. Moved to Alma in 1888 and ten years later disposed of his fine farm of 360 acres. During the war was captain of a militia company called to defend the capital when General Sterling Price threatened the invasion of the state. William Drebing and Joseph Treu were lieutenants in the same company. Dealt much with the Pottawatomie Indians and was a man of great influence with the chief's of that nation. At one of the most critical periods of the early sixties came to the relief of the settlers by going to the Indian camp on South branch in company with Mr. William Ross, the agent, and inducing the Indians to return to their deserted villages on the reserve 250 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. (See illustration "Coming back to the Reservation"). No man in Wa- baunsee county has been more closely identified with our early history than has Mr. Krapp. With willing hands and strong arms he assisted in laying the foundation on which the people have built a solid super- structure. He has ever been ready to help the needy — always a friend to the friendless. Though nearly four score years of an eventful life are behind him Mr. Krapp is yet in the enjoyment of his mental faculties and but for a terrible experience in a blizzard* on the old Mormon trail in 1856, would today present an example of hale and hearty manhood with few parallels to be found anywhere. *Mr. Krapp's lower limbs were frozen while encamped on the head of the Wakarusa in a blizzard. So badly frozen as to be unable to wear his shoes he gave them to a friendless boy who accompanied him on the trip— freighting to Fort Riley. L. J. WOODARD Was born in Richmond, Ashtabula county, Ohio, on July 29, 1831. After attending the common schools in Richmond and Monroe, com- pleted a high school course in a select school at Pierpont, Ohio. On October 23, 1850, was united in marriage to Sarah Delilah Davis, six children, four sons and two daughters, being born to this union — Havilah, Byron, Zora D, and John D. Woodard, and Mrs. Cora Clybourne, dec'd, and Mrs. C. Anderson. In 1870, Mr. Woodard came to Kansas, locating near Beman, but came to Alta Vista on the completion of the Rock Island to that place. Was elected probate judge of Wabaunsee county in 1894 and re-elected in 1896, serving the people four years in one of the most responsible offices within the gift of the people. Since his retirement from office, Judge Woodard, and his estimable help-meet, are enjoying the fruits of a well spent life in one of the neatest and most pleasantly located homes in Alta Yista. MR. AUGUST MEYER (Dec'd) Was born at Braunsweitz, Prussia, Germany, October 17, 1818, coming to America in 1848, locating in St. Louis, Missouri. Came to Kansas in I860, first stopping at Havana, near Wilmington. Came to Alma in 1866. With Mr. Henry Schmitz opened the first store in Alma under the firm name of Schmitz & Meyer, in the lower story of the Kaufman building — our first court house. Was married Septem- ber 9, 1870, to Miss Emilie Dieball. Died April 25, 1886, leaving three sons, Otto, Richard, and August. Mr. Meyer was Alma's first post- master, being appointed in 1867, soon after Alma had been designated EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAE. 251 as the county seat. Mr. Meyer, in conjunction with his business partner, Mr. Henry Schmitz, was ever active in advancing the inter- ests of Alma. They had been instrumental in fixing upon the loca- tion; had erected the first buildings, and left nothing undone that would tend to promote the growth of the town. Mr. Meyer was a man of strong convictions and possessed a will power capable of ensur- ing acquiescence in such views as might be suggested by existing con- ditions. Was faithful as a friend, kind and indulgent as a husband and father, and to those with whom fortune had dealt unkindly was ever a friend in the hour of need. JOHN C. HENDERSON Was born March 29, 1833, at New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio. Was married at Peoria, Illinois, June 8, 1859, to Miss Agnes Russell, to whom three sons and a daughter were born — B. R., Charles B., and James R., and Miss Nellie Henderson. Came to Kansas in February, 1871, settling in Mission Creek township. Was elected register of deeds three successive terms, 1885, 1887, and 1889, a period of six years. During the civil war was enrolling officer until the re-organization of the 14th Illinois, when he was commissioned as first lieutenant of Co. G, of that regiment. Was attached to Scofield's division, joining Sherman after his famous march to the sea, at Goldsboro, ISlorth Caro- lina. After the close of the war was employed for seven years in the internal revenue service, filling the various positions of assistant assessor, storekeeper, gauger, and assistant inspector. Is extensively engaged, with his sons, in farming and mining investments, but for several years past has enjoyed life in his pleasant home in Alma — filling a warm place in the hearts of the people. CHARLES C. GARDINER Was born in Chenango county, New York, in October, 1834. Re- moved with his parents to Akron, Ohio, when seven years of age. After remaining here five years his parents returned to Rhode Island — their native state, where he grew to manhood. A thorough course of training in the common schools was followed by a higher course at Alfred Academy, in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Came to Kansas in May, 1859, pre-empting a quarter section four miles north of Burlin- game. After working awhile at his trade— that of carpenter — at Lawrence, went to Jefferson City, where he was employed as foreman in a sash and blind factory. While here, in August, 1860, Mr. Gardiner was united in marriage to Miss Lydia ButBngton, of Chester county, Pennsylvania, the ceremony performed being that in vogue by the 252 EAELY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Friends, of which society Mrs. Gardiner was a life-long member. In 3865, Mr. Gardiner returned to Kansas and the following year bought a farm near Waveland, Shawnee county. Came to Wabaunsee county in 1884 and bought the farm of 1,500 acres since known as the Brightside- farm, where he resided until 1896, when he retired from the active management of the place. On the Brightside farm are three dwelling houses, three large barns, a steam feed mill, cribs, stock sheds, gran- ary, etc. The farm is well watered and has 17 miles of fence, 20 acres of orchard, and a number of acres of artificial timber, besides many acres of alfalfa. 400 head of cattle and from 200 to 300 head of hogs are, each year, kept on the place. That Mr. Gardiner has made farm- ing a success is evidenced by the fact that the revenue from the products of the farm up to 1896 aggregated the sum of $80,000. The location of the station and postoffice at Bradford was largely due to Mr. Gardiner's efforts aftid influence. The building of the flouring mill — burned in 1899 — and the establishment of a creamery resulted from Mr. Gardiner's efforts. In 1854, the subject of this sketch united with the Congregational church, of which organization he has ever been a consistent member. Mr. Gardiner was the father of four children, two sons and two daugh- ters, all of whom were educated at the State Agricultural College, at Manhattan. ' JAMES R. HENDERSON Was born September 10, 1866, at Peoria, Illinois. Came to Kansas with his parents when but five years of age, Mr. Henderson, Sr., set- tling on a farm in Mission Creek township. Taught school two terms, was deputy register of deeds five years and one year assistant cashier of the Alma State Bank. Was elected county clerk in 1893 and re- elected in 1895. In 1890 w'as special agent of the census bureau under Noble Prentis — compiling mortgage statistics — his field being the counties of Shawnee, Morris, Greenwood, and Pratt. Continued with Mr. Prentis until the close of the work at Newton, Mr. Henderson's methods and neat manuscript ensuring his retention in clerical work to the last— efficiency in this as in every other employment being characteristic of one of Wabaunsee county's most popular officials. Mr. Henderson is one of the firm of Henderson Bros., abstracters and dealers in real estate. Are also heavy stockholders in the Wyom- ing Copper & Gold Mining Co., besides owning valuable mineral lands in the Arkansas lead and zinc fields. On June 18, 1896, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage, to Miss Hannah Crafts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Crafts, of Alma. Little Ruth, aged four years, is the only child. The family resides in one of the coziest homes in Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 253 J. B. BARNES Was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, June 20, 1846. Was educated at Canfleld, and Poland, Ohio, being a graduate of Poland Academy. Read law in the office of Hon. S. W. Gilson, of Canfleld. Was admitted to the bar in 1870 and in 1884 came to Wabaunsee county and two years later was elected county attorney. t Was re-elected in 1888, and again elected in 1894. In criminal litigation as well as in civil practice Mr. Barnes has been successful in an eminent degree— the number of crim- inals sent to the penitentiary at Lansing through his efforts furnish- ing indubitable proof in the one case and the flattering increase in the number of his clients indicating his popularity as an attorney. Mr. Barnes has been mentioned as an available and possible candidate for the judgeship of this, the 35th judicial district. Though reluctant to make the race the people may yet present arguments so forcible as to insure his candidacy — and election. DR. 0. S. CHESTER Was born at Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, June 1, 1866. Was educated at the Des Moines High school, and the Iowa Wesleyan Uni- versity, at Mt. Pleasant. Took a course in medicine at the Missouri Medical college, of St. Louis, supplemented by three courses at the Marion Sims college, of the same city, being a graduate of the latter institution—class of 1889. On September 8, 1891, was united in mar- riage at Tescot, Kansas, to Miss Myrtle S. Smith, three children being born to this union— Mahrea, Lynn, and Tillie Clair. Dr. Chester came to Wabaunsee county in December, 1898. Stands high in his profes- sion, and in March, 1902, was appointed by Governor Stanley to the office of coroner of Wabaunsee county, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dr. H. F. Palenske, by reason of his removal to Arkansas. Dr. Chester filled the position of county health officer two successive terms, and during the visitation of smallpox gave evidence to the people of the wisdom of his appointment. For several years has been at the head of the Order of Maccabees in Alma — which, in itself, is a certificate of good standing among the people with whom Dr. Chester has cast his lot. MR. HENRY RONNAU (Dec'd) Was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, March 23, 1841. Came to America in 1866 and to Wabaunsee county in 1868, settling on the Pottawatomie reserve when first thrown open to settlement. Pete and Henry — Reding and Ronnau — took claims in what is now Kaw 254 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. township when their only neighbors were Indians, who had chosen the best lands for their allotments. On November 2, 1873, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Miss Frances Auer, to whom four sons were born— Frank, George, Fred, and Edward. On August 3, 1895, the subject of this sketch died at his home, in Kaw township, at the age of 51 years, 4 months, and 11 days. A kind husband and father had gone to rest. A good citizen, one of our early pioneers, had gone home to that better land beyond the grave. HENRY FAUERBACH Was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, September 14, 1833. Came to America with his parents, who settled in Monroe county, Illinois. Was raised here, getting his education behind the plow. Came to Kansas, first, in 1856. but went to Nebraska the same year. Was employed by Majors, Russell, and Waddell, who had the contract for freighting supplies to the military posts. Crossed the plains a number of times between the Missouri river and Salt Lake. In I860, sought for golden treasures in the mountains of Colorado but found them not. Again tried freighting — this time on his own hook — between the Missouri river and the Rocky Mountains — on both the Platte and Santa Fe routes. On the last trip loaded at Lawrence — then the terminus of the Union Pacific railroad — for New Mexico. Was corraled by Indians on Cow creek for eight days, the incident being mentioned by Captain Inman in his book. Settled in Wabaun- see county in 1868, being one of the first white settlers on the Potta- watomie reserve, soon after the Indian lands were opened for settle- ment. Has made a success of farming on one of the finest farms in the Mill creek valley. Follows up-to-date methods. Has raised a worthy family of sons and daughters, who have inherited a competence that includes the many good qualities of one of Wabaunsee county's leading citizens. S. A. BALDWIN Was born in Meriden, Connecticut, June 29, 1827. When but three years of age his parents moved to New Britain, Conn. Attended school here until sixteen years of age, when he accepted a position as clerk and bookkeeper for his uncle, J. G. Baldwin, in his store at Middletown. Remained with his uncle four years when he purchased an interest in a manufacturing concern located at Branford, Conn., having charge of the packing and shipping department. To better distribute the goods manufactured by the firm (locks of all descrip- EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 255 tions, doorknobs, etc.) a store was opened in New York City, Mr. Baldwin taking charge. After two years here disposed of a part of his interest and came to Kansas as a member of the "Connecticut Colony," organized by Mr. C. B. Lines, of New Haven. The colony started early in the spring of 1856. The party outfitted at Kansas City, purchasing teams and supplies, and in due time arrived at Wabaunsee, near which place Mr. Baldwin has since resided. In the fall Mr. Baldwin returned East and was married to Miss Jane Augusta Barnes, of New Haven. In the spring of 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin came West and lived in a tent until the completion of their house. Besides filling the office of township treasurer for seven years Mr. Baldwin was one of the trustees having in charge the building of the Wamego bridge across Kansas river, has served several years as deputy clerk of the district court, was twice elected register of deeds— 1863 and 1865; was appointed county clerk on the death of Mr. H. M. Sel- den, in July, 1865, and served two terms as a member of the state legislature—faithful service in these several offices of trust securing for one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens an enviable place in the esteem of his constituents. ROBERT SIMMONS Was born August 10, 1845, in St. Louis, Missouri. Moved with his parents to Illinois in the early fifties. Was married in, 1874 to Miss Caroline A. Blaksley, of Crystal Lake, Henry county, Illinois. Came to Kansas in 1879, locating at Eskridge, where the family has since resided. During the war enlisted in Co. G, 17th Illinois Cavalry, and now holds the position of Adjutant of W. H. Earl Post, No. 75. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are estimable people. Their only daughter, Miss Josie May, is a young lady of rare accomplishments — one of the gradu- ates of the Eskridge schools, class of 1892. See illustration. L. M. CHRISTY Was born at Leetonia, Ohio, April 6, 1873. Came with his parents to Kansas in 1879. Was educated in the public schools of Manhattan. Learned the printer's trade and has mastered the most intricate prob- lems that confront the progressive printer. Was for three years fore- man of the Alma Signal office and for a year past has been foreman of the Eskridge Star. In the battle of life Mr. Christy has set an example worthy of emulation — especially to young men thrown on their own resources. On April 23, 1902, Mr. Christy was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Paige, an accomplished young lady of Eskridge. 256 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. GEORGE SUTHERLAND Was born in Marshall, Michigan, July 27, 1861, removing with his parents to Minnesota when but six years of age. Came to Kansas in 1871. his parents locating in Franklin county. In 1878 Mr. Sutherland came to Alma, where he learned the trade of saddler and harness maker with Mr. Henry Pippert. In September, 1883, was united in marriage to Miss Augusta M. Wendland, six children, a son and five daughters, being born to this union. Mr. Sutherland is serving his fourth year as a member of the school board and his fifth term as mayor of Alma — the best of indications that he has the confidence of the people. Besides a substantial business house Mr. Sutherland owns one of the many handsome residences in Alma. See illustration. JOHN SCHWANKE (Dec'd) Was born in Prussia, Germany, January 6, 1835. Came to America when but 17 years of age. Three years later came to Kansas, locating on South Branch of Mill creek. On February 2, 1862, was married to Miss Wilhelmina Hankammer, ten children being born to this union, eight of whom are now living— Charles, William, Henry, Mrs. Achah Schreiber, Mrs. Emma Koch, Mrs. Clara Schreiber, and Misses Mary and Anne. Mr. Schwanke died on July 15, 1887. Mr. Schwanke was one of the first settlers of Farmer township — then Alma township— and during his life was a man of much influence. In February, 1873, he was appointed postmaster at Moltke (Cobb), on the mail line from Alma to Council Grove, holding the office until it was discontinued by reason of a lack of patronage resulting from the building of the M. A. & B. Railway. M. F. TRIYETT Was born at Jefferson, Ashe county, North Carolina, July 10, 1845. The education received at Jefferson Academy was supplemented by a college course at Independence, Virginia. Received his first medical education at Jefferson, followed by a course of lectures at Newburn, North Carolina. Is also a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at St. Louis. After practicing one year at Elk Cross Roads, North Carolina, came West in 1874— driving overland. Was six months on the road. Was looking for a location and as his funds were exhausted concluded to stop — especially as the country in the vicinity of Eskriclge seemed to possess all the requisites of an ideal home. Bought the Sam Waldo homestead, a half mile south of the "Corners," EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 257 and engaged in farming in conjunction with the practice of his pro- fession, Has been eminently successful as a physician. Was one of the organizers of the Eskridge State Bank and has ever since been a member of the board of directors and a heavy stockholder of the bank. Besides several fine farms, Dr. Trivett owns one of the many hand- some homes in Eskridge and is ever at the front in advancing the material interests of the city — near which he located nearly thirty years ago and in which he built the first house. MR W. D. DEANS (Dec'd) Was born at Moscow, Illinois, October 12, 1826. Came to Alma in 1883, but kept a store at Albion Postoffice, near the present site of Alta Vista several years before moving to the county seat. Was county surveyor four terms and was again the nominee for that office when the end came. Was a member of the city council several years and was mayor of Alma at the time of his death, which occurred on October 10, 1897. Was also vice-president and one of the directors of of the Alma State Bank when Death called him from his earthly cares. Nine children survived him, six of whom lived in Kansas — Rev. John Deans, of Lyon county, David, for several years foreman of the Signal office, Oscar, one of our teachers, Charlie, living in Texas, Mrs. Mollie Riley, of Wichita, and Mrs. Ida Brady, of Manhattan. Mr. Deans was one of of Alma's most highly esteemed citizens — honored as few men have been honored and worthy of every honor bestowed upon him. WILLIAM PROTHERO Was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but lived several years near Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Emigrated to Rock River Valley, near Ster- ling, Illinois, in 1840. In 1859 was a delegate to the state convention, at Bloomington, Illinois, where John M. Palmer presided. Witnessed the organization of the Republican party in Illinois. Among the del- egates present were Abraham Lincoln, Richard Yates, "Long John" Wentworth, and Colonel Bissell, who received the nomination as first republican candidate for governor. The convention put forward the name of Abraham Lincoln for U. S. Senator. The great debate be- tween Lincoln and Douglas followed and resulted in the election of Lincoln to the presidency. For thirty-five years Mr. Prothero has made his home in Wilmington. For many years he has been elected and re-elected justice of the peace and is one of our leading citizens. 258 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JOHN COPP (Dec'd) Was born at Steinheim, Province of Wurtemburg, Germany, December 31, 1832. Came to America with his uncle, John Copp, when but 16 years old, locating at Reading, Pennsylvania. Came to Kansas in 1856, and in the following year was married to Miss Mary Mauzenbrinck, whose parents pre-empted the land afterwards sold to Christian Wertzberger. Mr. Copp lived first on the Finney ranch, near Halifax, then at Copp's station, near Eskridge, on the Topeka and Council Grove mail route, but later at Paxico. In his day but few men in the county wielded greater influence. Was county commis- sioner from 1870 to 1872— a stormy period in our county's history. He was a man of firm convictions, warmly espoused the cause of his friends, and his few enemies always knew where to find him — always striking out from the shoulder, irrespective of consequences to himself as well as those arrayed against him in a cause he considered just and right. Mr. Copp died March 10, 1888, at San Diego, California, highly esteemed by all. LARDNER J. McCRUMB Was born in Mercer, now Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1843. Received as good educational advantages as the country afforded. Enlisted in the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry on August 19, 1861. Discharged for disability March, 1863. Re-enlisted in June and participated in the Gettysburg campaign. Enlisted for the third time in February, 1864, in the 14th Pa. Cavalry, and mustered out at Fort Leavenworth in November, 1865. In March, 1870, was united in mar- riage to Miss Jennie A. Barker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Barker, of Mission creek. Besides farming, Mr. McCrumb has made a specialty of the best breeds of horses, meeting with financial success in whatever he has undertaken. Has also been successful from a political standpoint, having been elected representative in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. Is president of the Alma National Bank, and resides in one of the prettiest homes in the Mill creek valley, one and a half miles east of McFarland. JOHN LUDWIG SCHEPP Was born on a farm near Manhattan, October 29, 1867, but has lived in Wabaunsee county the greater part of his life — on Illinois creek, or the Muehlenbacher branch of Mill creek, where his mother owns 2,000 acres of the best land in Wabaunsee county, besides 920 EA.RLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 259 acres In Lyon county. 350 acres of this land is in a high state of culti- vation and 2,000 acres is the best of pasture, on which 1,500 head of cattle range, in addition to 300 head belonging on the farm. The bal- ance is covered with the finest growth of timber in Wabaunsee county. "Louie," as he is always called, lives with his mother in one of the three large stone houses on the farm, deals largely in cattle, and is one of the shrewdest business men in the county. Is always ready to accommodate a friend with a loan at reasonable rates and was never known to oppress a creditor. Besides being, prospectively, one of the wealthiest men in Wabaunsee county, Louis possesses the grit that will enable him to protect his holdings even under the most trying circumstances, as was proven on March 17, 1894, when his Uncle Peter was shot down at the old home, where for years the three bachelor brothers, Louis, Fred, and Peter Muehlenbacher, lived with their sister, on what is perhaps the largest and best farm owned by a single individual in Wabaunsee county. THOMAS MANEY Was bom in County Tipperary, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1844. Came to America in 1861, entering the quartermaster's employ at Fort Leaven- worth. In 1864 went to St. Mary's, where he was married to Miss Josephine Higbee, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Feb- ruary 28. 1868. In 1873, located on Wells creek, on the farm where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Maney have eight children, four sons, Alva, Maurice, Thomas, and Joseph, and four daughters, Margaret, Catherine, Mary, and Alice. Mr. Maney owns a good farm and deals extensively in live stock. Has an interesting family and is one of those men of whom it is truly said — "has a heart in him as big as an ox." In other words, is a man generous by nature and warm hearted because he was born that way. AUGUST FALK Was born in Groszerlang, Brandenburg, Germany, on February 21, 1849. Came to America in 1870— coming direct to Wabaunsee county. Aug. 5, 1872, was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Fix, six children, four sons and two daughters being born to this union: George, Paul, Henry, and Elmer, and Mrs. Laura Smith and Miss Rosa. (See illus- tration.) Mr. Falk is a stone mason and marble cutter, being pro- prietor of the Alma Marble Works, that from a small beginning has attained more than local celebrity — there being much demand for tombstones and memorial tablets of his handiwork in cemeteries far removed from his pleasent home in the outskirts of Alma. 260 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. JOHN WINKLER Was born in Gettingen, Hanover, Germany, August 26, 1828. On March 6, 1860, was united in marriage to Miss Lena Martin, to whom six children were born: Mrs. Augusta Eldridge, and Mrs. Amelia Weaver, who were born in Germany, and Robert, Arthur, Otto, and Mrs. Lena McCrumb, who were born in America — Robert being the first white child born in Alma. Mr. Winkler came to America in 1866, coming direct to Kansas, to the home of his cousin, Mr. Joseph Treu, (deceased.) For eighteen years Mr. Winkler was adjutant of the Hanover Curassieurs, and was an active participant in the Austro- Prussian war, Hanover espousing the cause of Austria. When the Hanover troops capitulated to the Prussian army, Mr. Winkler was among those paroled and came to America. Built the first hotel in Alma, which he sold to Mr. Ed. Krapp and went to Maple Hill, where he was elected trustee on the organization of that township. Returned to Alma and built the Winkler Hotel (see illustration) that stood where now stands the New Commercial. After a few years of successful farming, Mr. Winkler returned to the hotel business, build- ing the Denver House at McFarland, which he sold to the present proprietor, Mr. Gottlieb Noller. Though in his 74th year Mr. Winkler looks but little more than fifty and is as hearty and jovial as twenty years ago. JAMES CARROLL Was born March 14, 1844, in the town of Belleville, Ontario, Canada, removing with his parents a few years later to Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio. While a youth acquired a good academic education. When the war broke out his patriotic zeal prompted him to enter the service of his country but he was twice rejected. But his persistence was at last rewarded and in March, 1864, we find him a member of Co. F, 47th Infantry, Ohio Volunteers. The regiment was at once ordered to the front and participated in the Atlanta campaign, after which he was taken prisoner near Goldsboro, North Carolina, March 27, 1865, and confined as a prisoner of war at Salisbury, North Carolina, until the following June. Though the war was over, he, a prisoner was none the wiser. On August 27, 1865, was married to Miss M. E. Hodge, to which union two children were born, Mr. Carey E. Carroll and Mrs. Lilia M. Huber, of DeGraff, Ohio. After the close of the civil war Mr. Carroll entered upon the study of the law in the office of Martin & McKercher, being admitted as a member of the bar at Lima, Ohio. In 1880 located in Alma, this being his first and last change of residence. On May 20, 1885, Mr. Carroll met his greatest misfortune in the death EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. K w H3 o r pr H M Vj a S3 c r Pj r EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. > f H > < t— i 05 H > 1 Ik I i 6*0 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MAIN STREET, ESK RIDGE, LOOKING NORTH. STROWIG & SON'S MILL. PAXICO. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Jtf ~3&*. * '% MAIN STREET, ESKUIDGE, LOOKING SOUTH. SCHOOL HOUSE. ALT A VISTA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. HOTEL ALMA, Mrs. Theresa Horne, Proprietress. MISSOURI STREET, ALMA, Looking south from Hotel Alma. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. WINKLER'S HOTEL, ALMA, 1880. THE COURT-HOUSE, ALMA, 1880. E1ST SIDE. WEST SIDE. LOWER MISSOURI STREET, ALMA, 1880. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MAIN STREET. FIA H VEY VI LLK. ISKSIDKNCK OF BON. J. H. BAK>ES. ALM \. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 261 of Mrs. Carroll. Since his residence in Alma Mr. Carroll lias been one of our most successful attorneys. He has been admitted to practice in the department of the interior and has assisted many of his former comrades in securing pensions for services rendered their country, in the hour of need. A. A. COTTRELL Was born in Meredith, Delaware county, New York, in 1835. Was educated at Delaware Academy, Delhi, New York. Came to Kansas in 1856, with the New Haven colony. Was one of the committee that located the company at Wabaunsee. Enlisted in Co. E, 10th Illinois Infantry at first call for troops. Afterwards re-enlisted in Co. G, 1st Illinois Cavalry. Was taken prisoner five different times by General Price. In 1862 was united in marriage at Mendon, Illinois, to Miss Martha Piatt, nine children, six daughters and three sons, being born to this union. Seven of the children are graduates of the Kansas State Agricultural College, at Manhattan, and the other two will soon add their names to the list of graduates. Mr. Cottrell is an up-to-date farmer who has made a success of his calling, and one of our oldest and most exemplary citizens. GUS TH1ERER Was born in Weston, Platte county, Missouri, November 22, 1851. Came to Kansas when but five years of age with his parents, who located in Geary county. In 1869, came to Wabaunsee county and in August, 1874, was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Fix, five children, three sons, F. C, John B., and Geo. W., and two daughters, Misses Mamie and Lottie, being born to this union. Besides a farm of 400 acres on West branch, Mr. Thierer owns another fine farm of 410 acres on McDowell creek, in Geary county. This progressive farmer, with his estimable family resides in one of the many pretty homes on West branch of Mill creek, seven miles southwest of Alma. WILLIAM HORNE, SR. Was born in Baden, Germany, June 30, 1833, coming to America with his parents when but three years of age. Located in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, but later, moved to Wisconsin. In 1852 joined the throng of gold-seekers wending their way to California. Was married in San Francisco in 1857, and returned by way of the Isthmus to his former home in Wisconsin. Two years later the discovery of 262 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. new gold'fields drew him to the mountains of Colorado, his young wife accompanying him on the trip to the mountains and to his present home in Kansas in the fall of 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Home have four sons and four daughters. The family is pleasantly located on a well stocked farm of 1,100 acres on the head of Spring creek, where in the days when the mails were carried on horseback from Alma to Junction City Mr. Home was postmaster at Elvenia. Though nearing the three score and ten mark Mr. Home is stout and hearty and as genial as in the days of long ago. S. H. FAIRFIELD Was horn September 4, 1833, in Middleton, Essex county, Massa- chusetts. Went to Minden, Illinois, in 1856, reaching Kansas in Sep- tember of the same year, selecting a claim near Wabaunsee. In 1860 was united in marriage to Miss M. H. Burt, of Tabor, Iowa. Return- ing to Kansas he was, in 1861, elected doorkeeper of the state senate, also of the high court of impeachment. In September, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 11th Kansas Volunteers. Was detailed as clerk at regi- mental headquarters, and subsequently assigned to duty as postmaster of his division and the army of the border. In 1863, had entire charge of the military mail in Kansas City, for Missouri, Kansas, and Colo- rado.* Rejoined his company in 1864, the regiment then being cavalry, and served as corporal till 1865, when he was detailed as clerk in the quartermaster's department of the frontier. During the same year rejoined his company at Horse Shoe, Wyoming Territory, where he remained while subduing the hostile Sioux. Was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, September 15, 1865. While in the army partici- pated in the battles of Maysville, Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Lexington, and the Big Blue. In 1865, was elected county clerk, county treasurer in 1867 and 1869. Also to the office of register of deeds the same year, which office he continued to hold 'till January, 1886. Was editor and proprietor of the Alma Union two years. Was a member of the court house building committee and took an active interest in building the Congregational .church, being the first Sunday school superintendent. Mr. Fairfield owns a pleasant residence in Alma besides several of the best farms in the county. He is largely engaged in the real estate and loan business and has always been at the front in advancing any public enterprise. *An item in the Kansas City Journal in December, 1863, says: Mr. Fairfield, postmaster at headquarters, keeps himself informed of the location of the various regiments and companies, and forwards all mail for officers and soldiers without delay. The arrangement of mail matters for convenience of those in the service, seems to be about perfect. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 263 PROSPER E. LEONARD "Was bora in Luxemburg, Belgium, July 18, 1850. When but two years of age his parents came to America, locating in Brown county, Ohio, where he received a good education in the county schools. In April, 1879, was married to Miss Gertrude May Seurmour. Came to Kansas in 1884, locating in Wabaunsee township. Owns a good farm of 400 acres near Alma. Is superintendent of the county Poor Farm, a position to which he has been appointed five times in succession — the best evidence of satisfactory work, by an honest, conscientious official. CURTIS M. LOWRY Was born January 30, 1875, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. When but three years of age came to Kansas with his parents, who located in Dickinson county. Mr. Lowry was educated at the Dickin- son county High school, of which he is a graduate. Is also a graduate of the Kansas State Normal school, at Emporia. Has taught school five terms. Was principal of the Eskridge schools two years, graduat- ing a class of fourteen in the class of 1902. Is a young man of excep- tional character and ability and that the future has much in store for him is unquestioned. DOW BUSENBARK Was born at Jonesboro, Grant county, Indiana, November 7, 1853. Came with his parents to Kansas March 1, 1860, locating in Jefferson county, but came to Wabaunsee county in 1878. On August 14, 1876, was united in marriage to Miss Olive A. Coxen, four sons and four daughters being born to this union. Was educated in the common schools of Kansas, supplemented by a course of normal work at Leba- non, Ohio, and another at Valparaiso, Indiana. The better part of his life was passed in the school room, the greater part of which has been in the schools of Wabaunsee county. Was elected county super- intendent of schools for Wabaunsee county, in November, 1896, and re-elected in November, 1898. Was also appointed for the interim of four months resulting from the change in the beginning of the official term. During his term of office began the publication of the "Teacher, Patron, and Pupil," the first number being issued in Octo- ber, 1897, continuing the publication until April, 1900. Purchased and began publishing the Eskridge Star in March, 1900, in which business he has ever since been engaged. Mr. Busenbark has made for himself 264 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. an excellent reputation as a teacher, was even more successful in the office of county superintendent, and as editor of the Star has done much to raise the standard of journalism. JAMES M. LEE Was born in Mansfield, England, March 26, 1852, coming with his parents to America when but an infant. Was educated in the city schools of Boston, Massachusetts. On September 20, 1871, was united in marriage to Miss Hannah M. Shaw, four children, two sons, James H. and Elmer William, and two daughters, Mrs. C. C. McMichaei and Miss Grace, being born to this union. Besides 240 acres of excellent farm land, Mr. Lee is proprietor of one of the best appointed stores in Eskridge, located in the first story of the Woodman Hall building. The official honors that have fallen on Mr. Lee's shoulders are the best indications of the degree of confidence reposed in one of Wabaun- see county's best known citizens. Twice elected township treasurer, for four years city treasurer, and twice elected mayor of Eskridge it wasn't difficult to find in Mr. Lee the material for county treasurer, to which office he was twice elected— in 1895 and again in 1897— being for four years one of our most popular officials. MR. ANDREW PRINGLE, SR. (Dec'd) Was born in Melrose, Scotland, October 28, 1827. Came to America in 1857, settling in Canada, but removing to Kansas in 1870— to the farm near Harveyville, where he died, March 15, 1889, leaving to mourn his loss, a wife and five sons: Andrew, William, John W., James T., and Robert — all estimable citizens. Mr. Pringle was a man of strict integrity, highly esteemed by all as a conscientious, Christian gentleman. MR. C. B. LINES (Dec'd) Was born in New Haven, Connecticut, March 12, 1807. Was married July 18, 1829, to Miss Maria Woodard. Came to Wabaunsee county at the head of the Connecticut colony, in March, 1856, locating at Wabaunsee. Mr. Lines was a man of strong convictions and the strictest integrity — a leader among men. Besides his wife he left, to mourn his loss, three daughters— Mesdames Geo. S. Burt, J. P. Evans, and I. H. Isbell. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 265 WILLIAM M. RINEHART Was born in Knox county, Ohio, September 6, 1839. Came to Kansas in 1870, locating on the farm on which he now resides, one mile east of Eskridge. For a number of years kept a country store at "The Corners"— long before the advent of the railroad. On November 28, 1860, was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Riley, two sons and two daughters being born to this union. During the Civil war Mr. Rinehart enlisted as a member of Co. F, 121st Ohio Infantry, and for two years was a marine on the steamer Baltic. During the Spanish war one of his sons was a member of the "Rough Riders." Three of the four children are now residents of Montana. In 1898 Mr. Rinehart was elected to the legislature, the nomination coming to him unsolic- ited. Is an experienced horticulturist, a good citizen and as a member of the legislature made a clean record— always bearing in mind the interests of bis constituents. MR. CHRISTIAN KUENZLI (Dec'd) Was born August 20, 1831, in Canton Berne, Switzerland. Came to America in 1850, locating at Highland, Illinois. Was married in 1853 to Miss Magdalena Moser, of Highland. In 1856, moved to Buch- anan county, Missouri, and in 1859 came to Wabaunsee county, loca- ting on the farm where lie died on July 10, 1899. No man was held in higher esteem by his neighbors and tbe death of no one could be more universally regretted. At the Kuenzli home hospitality was for years dispensed with a generous hand and those in need of substantial assistance were never turned away if it was possible for Christian Kuenzli to lend a helping hand. LaFAYETTE RICHARDS Was born in Wyoming county, New York, June 12, 1834. Came to Kansas in 1880, locating in Rock Creek township, this county. On February 28, 1855, was married to Miss Cynthia Spinck, two sons and four daughters being born to this union. Mr. Richards is a graduate of the Varysburg, New York, High school and has taught school four terms, one of which was in his home district on Rock creek. Has served the people of his township four terms as trustee and has been justice of the peace for twelve years. In 1888 was elected probate judge of Wabaunsee county, his education and sound judgment emi- nently fitting him for the duties of this important office. 266 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. GUSTAV H. MEIER Was born on the home farm near Halifax, January 2, 1865. Received a good, practical education in the district school, supple- mented by a course at the Kansas State Agricultural College, at Man- hattan. In 1887 began the study of photography with L. Palenske. Has mastered every branch of the business and is today one of the best artists in the state — a fact proven by his handiwork — seldom equaled and never excelled. DAVID M. GARDNER Was born in New York City, July 4, 1850, coming to Illinois in 1863 and six years later to Wabaunsee county. On November 23, 1873, was united in marriage to Miss Martha S. Crandall, of Mission creek, a son and a daughter being born to this union. In 1877, was elected sheriff of Wabaunsee county and re-elected in 1879, and elected to the office of county clerk in 1881, filling with credit two of the most important offices in the gift of the people. Has resided in Alma since his first election to a county office and is the present incumbent in the office of city marshal. His only daughter, Mrs. Flora Taylor, was, for several years, a popular teacher in the Alma city schools. ross c. Mccormick Was born in Knoxville, Iowa, April 1, 1872. Came to Kansas with his parents in 1879, the family locating at Pbillipsburg. Is a graduate of the Phillipsburg High School, also, of the Nickerson Normal Col- lege, at Nickerson, Kansas. Has taught school three years, one of which was principal of the Alma City schools, making for himself a most excellent record as a teacher and disciplinarian. Being a young man of acknowledged ability and excellent judgment his success in the battle of life is assurred. CHARLES MUCKENTHALER Was born July 30, 1876, at Newbury, Kansas. Supplemented a course in the common schools by a four years course at St. Marys Col- lege, of which excellent institution he is a graduate. June 12, 1900, was united in marriage to Miss Bernadina Kolde, an accomplished young lady of Newbury. In 1897, became a member of the Paxico Lumber Company, the company adding a stock of hardware in 1899. Mr. Muckenthaler is a young man of the strictest integrity, and, com- bined with excellent business qualifications there need be no hesitancy in predicting for him a bright and successful future. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 267 J. M. JOHNSON Was born in Mount Carmel, Fleming county, Kentucky, May 4, 1836, moving with his parents to Clinton county, Ohio, in October, 1849. Worked in a tan-yard until sixteen years of age and then started out to be a farmer. In September, 1858, was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Fields. Came to Kansas in 1865, settling in Wabaunsee county. Was elected representative in 1871. v Has held the offices of justice of the peace, township treasurer, and township clerk. Since coming to Kansas has been engaged in farming and stock raising. Made a good record in the legislature; is successful as a farmer and one of our best citizens. DAVID F. CLAYTON Was born in Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, October 6, 1851. In 1875, went to Illinois. On September 15, 1872, .was united in marriage to Miss Martha Carroll. Came to Kansas in 1887, locating at Alma, where he has since resided. Mr. Clayton is serving his ninth term as township trustee and his fifth term as a member of the city council of Alma— excellent proof as to the degree of confidence reposed in him as a public official. WILLIAM DIEBALL Was born in Germany, May 29, 1853. Landed with the family at New Orleans, in 1856, coming to Wabaunsee county in the spring of 1857. On October 27, 1875, was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hess, six children being born to this union, five of whom still survive — one son, Emil. and four daughters: Mrs. Dora Barger, Mrs. Louise Diehl, and the Misses Caroline and Olga. Mr. Dieball owns a well stocked farm of 960 acres and has recently erected one of the finest residences in Wabaunsee county (see illustration). Though young in years, when the family came to Kansas, Mr. Dieball has a vivid remembrance of the many incidents of pioneer days. Deer and turkeys were plentiful, he having shot many of the latter while in his teens. He remembers that deer were very tame, also, and that they often shared with the cattle their feed when the weather was severe and the grass covered with snow. With his estimable family Mr. Dieball enjoys the fruits of years of toil and excellent management of one of the best farms in Wabaunsee county. 268 EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. JOHN SUDWEEKS Was born in Canada, November 20, 1849. Came to Kansas August 1, 1870. On November 23, 1873, was united in marriage to Miss Sallie M. Pratt, to whicb union four children were born: Mabel, John W., James E., and Charles P. Sudweeks. For twenty years Mr. Sudweeks was one of the progressive teachers of Wabaunsee county, was appointed county commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. C. N. Earl, and was elected representative in November, 1900, being the present incumbent in that important office— a convincing proof of his high standing among the people. A. M. JORDAN Was born August 29, 1858, near Topeka, Kansas. Three years before, his father, William Jordan, had come west to help make Kan- sas a free state. He died in 1895, at the home of his son, with whom he had lived for many years before the end came. The subject of this sketch received a good education, first, in the county schools of Shawnee county, supplemented by a course in the City High School in Topeka. On September 5, 1894, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Luettie Case, to which union three children were born, two sons and a daughter. Since 1885, Mr. Jordan has been a resident of Wa- baunsee county, and during that period has acquired a more than state-wide reputation as a breeder of Poland China Swine, of best families, and Plymouth Rock Chickens of leading strains. The "Chinquapin Farm" is a fine body of land of 440 acres, well watered and adapted to the purpose for which it is used — a stock farm — on which are raised and kept for sale nothing but first class stock. By the exercise of sound judgment and an intuitive knowledge of the business Mr. Jordan has attained that degree of success at which he aimed in the beginning. Brain, brawn, and printer's ink — for he has called all these into requisition — have brought customers from points far removed from the Chinquapin farm — known far and wide as one of the best in the state. FREDERICK J. FREY Was born June 6, 1864, at Davenport, Iowa. Received the benefits of an excellent system of schools, supplementing a good common school education with a course at Davenport Academy. Came to Kansas in 1878, and on April 15, 1896, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kolde, to which union three children were born: Adelaide, Theresa, and Frank. Mr. Frey has served the people of Newbury towns! ip one EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 269 terra as trustee and has been constable since he was old enough to vote, his excellent work in that office pointing him out as the right man for the office of sheriff of Wabaunsee county — to which important office he was elected in 1899. Mr. Frey has proven himself a capable official. His metal has more than once been subjected to the crucial tests essential to secure a verdict of approval. He has served the people truly and well, and they seldom fail to mete out to the faithful that reward to which they are justly entitled. MR. GEORGE BERROTH (Dec'd) Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, February 8, 1833. In 1856, came to America, locating in Pennsylvania. On August 24, 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Burkhardt, in the city of Phil- adelphia. Came to Kansas in 1869, locating in Pottawatomie county, but five years later came to Wabaunsee county, to the farm where he died on March 9, 1896. Mr. Berroth was a successful farmer and stock raiser, a man with a kind heart and generous nature, elements in a man's character that insure the esteem of his fellows. J. W. ROBERTSON Was born in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, January 8, 1866. Was edu- cated at Newton, Illinois. Came to Kansas, August 1, 1884, and six years later was united in marriage to Miss Alice L. Reynard, to which union three children were born: Roel B., Donald B., and William H. Mr. Robertson is a dealer in paints and wallpaper. From a small business at the beginning he has seen an infant industry grow to pro- portions seldom seen in a city many times the size of the busy little town of which he is mayor. He has attained success by hard work and well directed effort. W. T. ECKLES Was born at Mount Vernon, Missouri, July 22, 1868, and when but an infant came with his parents to Kansas. Is a graduate of the State Normal School, at Emporia, but since 1888 has been in the employ of ■tie Mudge Mercantile Company. After eleven years of faithful service was installed as manager— another proof that merit wins. In the year 1900. Mr. Eckles was mayor of Eskridge and true to his old time instinct he was again promoted — on June 12, 1901, when he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. Kingman. His popularity is indicated b^his success— in whatever he undertakes. y \ 270 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. JOHN ADAM KRATZER (Dec'd) Was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1834. Came to America in 1856 and to Kansas in I860, and four years later, to Wabaunsee county. Was educated at Vicid, Germany. On June 25, 1863, was united in marriage to Miss Louise Huber, to which union fourteen children were born, ten of whom still survive. On October 3, 1861, Mr. Kratzer enlisted in Co. M, 5th Regt. Ohio Cavalry, Capt. John Henry, com- manding. On March 5, 1863, was discharged by reason of physical disability. Besides an excellent farm of 198 acres Mr. Kratzer left to the world an estimable wife and family of sons and daughters. With hosts of friends and no enemies he passed to the great beyond. His memory was revered by all and his departure universally regretted. AMOS T. TAYLOR Was born in West Virginia, April 12, 1853, coming to Kansas with his parents in October, 1867. Celebrated the 4th of July, in 1878, by being united in marriage to Miss Flora A. Smith, to which union three children were born. Became a voter in Wabaunsee county and there is no indication of a desire to change his place of residence. Besides a pleasant home owns valuable property interests in Eskridge, and just now is in possession of a certificate of good standing in the Masonic fraternity— that entitles him to the privilege of a place in. the East. CHARLES H. BURGETT Was born in 1869, at Quincy, Illinois. Came to Kansas ten years later with his parents, who located at McPherson, where he received the benefit of a liberal education. On April 10, 1890, was united in marriage to Miss Doreta Drebing, to which union three children were born — Clyde, Ralph, and Ruth. Though owning one of the best farms in Kansas, Mr. Burgett, by reason of an injury received in a runaway, has opened a barber shop in Eskridge, where he is pleasantly located with his family. MR. ANDREW ANDERSON (Dec'd) Was born in Norway, January 18, 1818. Came to America in 1866, settling on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 2, town- ship 14, range 8, in Wabaunsee county, in July, 1870. Mr. Anderson died in August, 1883, at the age of 65 years and 6 months. Mrs. Anna Anderson was born October 24, 1819, and died Septem- EAKLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 271 ber 4, 1897, being at the time of her death nearly 78 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were of that class of sturdy, hard working people who did much to redeem Kansas from conditions that were responsible for the name of Great American Desert. Besides an unsullied name these model citizens left behind them the best of legacies— an estim- able family of sons and daughters. MARK PALMER Was born November 24, 1877, in Monroe county, Iowa. Was edu- cated at Valparaiso, Indiana, being a graduate of the Northern Indiana Normal School, located there. On August 1, 1899, was united in marriage to Miss May F. Parsonage, an accomplished young lady of Eskridge, of which city Mr. Palmer is postmaster. Was appointed at the age of twenty-one and enjoys the distinction of being the youngest postmaster in the United States. Mr. Palmer is affable as well as capable and justly entitled to the $1,300 salary allowed by the department. JERRY B. FIELDS Was born March 1, 1861, at Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio. Came to Kansas with his parents in 1865. Supplemented a thorough course of training in the public schools by a four years course at Wash- burn College, taking up mineralogy as a special branch—much of the practical work of assaying being directly under his supervision. On June 26, 1891, Mr. Fields was united in marriage with Miss Olive A. DeArmond, for several years a teacher in the Alma city schools. Besides 240 acres of good farming and grazing lands Mr. Fields has extensive interests in mining properties in Missouri, Wyoming, and Oregon. Is one of Alma's leading dealers in real estate, and is inde- fatigable in his efforts to please his customers. IRA L. MORRIS Was born in Linn county, Missouri, on March 16, 1876. Came to Kansas November 25, 1892. A thorough elementary training in the schools of his native state was supplemented by a course at the Esk- ridge High School. On January 4, 1897, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Bessie May Luke, an accomplished young lady of Eskridge. Is the junior member of the firm of J. L. Morris & Son, and is one of the rising young business men of Eskridge. 272 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. OSCAR SCHMITZ Was born in Alma on December 26, 1875. Besides a thorough course in the Alma city schools Mr. Schmitz is a graduate of the Dick- inson County High School, located at Chapman, Kansas. Also took the law course at Kansas State University. In June, 1898, Mr. Schmitz was united in marriage to Miss Eva DeArmond, of Alma, who, for several years was a popular teacher in the city schools. Besides own- ing a good farm of 200 acres near Alma, Mr. Schmitz deals extensively in stock, and enjoys a lucrative practice in the courts of Wabaunsee county, being one of the rising young attorneys of the city in which he first saw the light. JOSEPH SNYDER Was born December 14, 1866. Is a native of Ohio, but when but four years of age removed with his parents to Michigan. Came to Kansas in 1889. A good educational training in the common schools was supplemented by a course in one of the best business colleges in Michigan— at Ionia. On June 23, 1895, was united in marriage* to Miss Agnes Sharrai, to which union one daughter, Miss Lucille, was born. For several years past Mr. Snyder has had charge of the cream- ery station at Paxico. Is a good barber and an all around hustler and by strict attention to business is winning success. REV. J. H. MUELLER, Of McFarland, was born October 23, 1872, in Lincoln, Missouri. Came to Kansas in September, 1896. Oh November 22nd of the same year was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Boehmer, to which union two daughters were born — Misses Helen and Irene. In 1896, Rev. Mueller was called to the pastorate of the several congregations at Paxico, McFarland, Wells Creek and Wamego, but at the present time the pastorate includes only the charges at McFarland and Paxico, Wamego and Wells Creek having become self-sustaining. Though the congregations at Paxico and McFarland are comparatively limited in numbers their appreciation of Rev. Mueller's services are indicated by the self-sacrificing spirit shown — in their cordial support of their popular minister, and by the building of an addition to the parsonage for the comfort and convenience of their pastor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 273 Our illustrations. REV. KAMP'S CONFIRMATION CLASS. Named from left to right: Herman Haller, Mary Bellinger, Joseph Sanders, Anna Steimel, John Steimel, Ella Schubert, Gertrude Schut- ter, John Dittman, Frank Terrass, Floribert Eagan, Emma Loehr, Matilda Wetzel, Minnie Diehl, John Wentrode, Leo Leonard, Anna Bonn, Adam Degenhardt. These worthy young people are members of our best families and it may be expected that in after years they will reflect credit on themselves, their parents and their spiritual counselor and teacher. THE ALMA LIEDERKRANZ. From left to rigbt: First tier — standing — Alfred Umbehr, Philip Birk, G. H. Meier, Hartman Bollier, B. Buchli, Conrad Zehner, Fred Meyer. Second tier — seated — Carl Lang, H. R. Schmidt, Emil Beutel, Otto Sawalliscb, Richard Thoes, Carl Schubert, August Peters, Rein- hold Diepenbrock, August Ohst, Fritz Brunner, George Femmel. AN OLD LANDMARK At Lookout Station, four miles south of Alma. Just across the road was the old sawmill. Col. Sanford had brought it down from Manhattan. It had an incumbrance but a night drive shook it off, and before the sun went down again the old mill took a rest. Mr. Spieker built the log house for Knopf, who started a store. Then came Goldstandt & Cohen, followed by "Butter-Hanness." His other name was John or Hans, but because he took butter in trade he was known far and wide as "Butter-Hanness." Then came Wm. Sol- scheid, before building his store in Alma. Col. Sanford boarded at Ed. Krapp's and a lawsuit of six years duration was the sequel. Ed. got judgment for $800 and the old mill was sold for scrap iron. Spieker ran the postofflce in the log cabin in the ravine north of the old station. But in the fall of 1866 Alma was voted the county seat and naturally wanted a post office nearer home. The driver on the Americus and Wamego mail line reported in favor of Alma and one day Mr. August Meyer got his commission and went out and got the records. Then the county officers got their mail at home— Alma had taken another step forward— it had a postoffice of its own. Tben 274 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. the people began putting on airs— they wanted mail twice a week, and asked for a mail route to Council Grove and another to Burlingame and a third line to Mission creek. They soon objected to the wind blowing on mail days, as the waves in the Kaw river ran so high the boat couldn't cross and in consequence there was no mail. HAYING AT CHRIS LANGYARDT'S. Showing how things are done on the broad prairies of Kansas by men of push and energy who surprise the world by doing things. For years Mr. Chris Langvardt was the leading cattle and hog buyer of Alta Yista and it was with feelings of deepest regret when it was announced that this popular dealer would retire from the business. His method of working in the hay field was but an index of Mr. Lang- vardt's manner of conducting the farm on business principles. Threshing at the Palenske farm by horse power is now a thing of the past but in the days gone by all welcomed the coming of the threshers. It was like a reunion. With jest and song the work went merrily on. Even the women of the household, with their increased burdens, couldn't say they disliked the annual threshing bee of ye olden time. WILMINGTON. Historic old town. A few years ago it was our opinion that the old stone buildings would insure the old landmark a permanent reminder of the old Santa Fe trail. But the stone buildings were con- crete and most of them have fallen to decay. But the old town is a relic of the past, nevertheless. O. H. Sheldon was the first postmaster and H. D. Shepard, the first storekeeper. In 1870, besides Mr. Shep- aid, there were two other stores, kept by Penfleld & Son, and by James Cripps & Co., Dr. Wilkerson had built a drug store and Dr. Easter was talking of building another, Henry Burns ran a blacksmith shop and J. and H. McPherson, builders, had all they could do. Then came John Buchanan with his store and shoe shop. and. soon after, the hotel. Then there were Rice Lewis and Jack Turner — two bachelors — who, later on, quit the business. Then, there was John Easter, the surveyor, and Mr. Dyer, both of whom have gone from among us. But Sam Bright still holds the fort and Mr. Prothrow, who has written J. P. after his name all his life and he is still at it — a worthy citizen and one of the old-timers. Wilmington, as a reminder of the old Santa Fe trail is still there— a memory of the long ago. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 275 HALIFAX STATION Before the building of the railroad was known as "Bismarck." Trouble relative to mail matters was the cause of the cbange so far as the postoffice department was concerned. Sacks of mail intended for people attending the fair at "Bismarck Grove," near Lawrence, prompted a change in the name. "Go to Halifax" is as old as the hills but as many people in Wabaunsee county could not, without great inconvenience, obey the mandate, we bring Halifax to them. AN INTERESTING FAMILY. Alma people will readily recognize Miss Minnie, the handsome daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Palenske, as the principal figure of this interesting family. How natural to be just a little partial to the baby of the household. But Miss Minnie is seemingly proud of them all, nevertheless. Child nature is alike the world over and that we are all, at best, but children of larger growth is every day exemplified. But for the love of the human family for the little ones the world would, indeed, be a blank. POYNTZ AVENUE IN 1866. Those who know something of the bustle and energy characteris- tic of Manhattan's busiest thoroughfare of today will hardly realize that but a few short years ago the prolonged stopping of a government wagon train and scores of lazy ox teams on the main street of the town would cause no serious impediment to travel. But to the old-timer the immense ricks of hay stacked near the timber on the banks of the Blue river tell the story — the train has stopped for forage, preparatory to a camp for the night at the "Devil's Elbow" — a short distance down the river. This was one of the most desirable camping places on the military road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley. The timber for firewood was plentiful and there was an abundance of good water — two of the essential requisites of a good camping place. Usually sufficient corn was taken along for the trip but the farm- ers along the route were depended on to supply the trains with hay. Crossing the Pottawatomie reservation Eli Nadeau, Louis Yieux. and Pat Behan were always well supplied with forage, and if chickens, butter, and eggs were wanted to help out the commissary supplies these worthy people were amply provided with the needed luxuries. There were few stores in Manhattan then and the customers were 276 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. not so plentiful that the stopping of a train on the main street of the town wasn't a welcome incident of the time. It meant brisk times for the merchants and a supply of gloves and warm clothing for their customers. The engraving is an excellent index of the conditions as they existed when the best of Kansas towns was an infant. STUEWE BROS.' CREAMERY. Though long since set aside for more lucrative enterprises the creamery of ten years ago is an excellent example of what can be accomplished by honest effort and capable management. Teams were sent into nearly every neighborhood in the county to gather cream for the plant. The product was excellent in quality and the quantity surprisingly large. From a small beginning the business grew until the proportions were gigantic — laying the foundation for the hand- some competence now enjoyed by the firm of Stuewe Bros., bankers and heavy dealers in cattle. OUT SERVING A WRIT. A book devoid of a little spice would be as savorless as meat with- out salt — hence the picture of a former popular sheriff out for an airing. Born in Kansas he realizes the necessity of taking along at any and all seasons, an overcoat, umbrella, and a fan. The umbrella you see under his arm, the motion of the mules ears serve the purpose of a fan and the overcoat — well, Herman has evidently improvised a cushion out of that. The picture will cause a smile where frowns too often appear — and that accounts for its presence here. RETURNING TO THE RESERVATION. Waneka instead of Pem-Co-Wye was the name of the Indian warn- ing Mr. Fred Palenske of the intended uprising of the Pottawatomies (see page 22). The bulk of the Pottawatomies had gone into camp near the big spring at Mike Mueller's, the camp extending as far up the creek as Henry Schroeder's. Passing to and from the reservation over the trail past Ed. Krapp's the settlers became alarmed, the alarm being increased by the report that the Indians were nightly called together by the din of the tom-tom, and that war dances were being indulged in to incite the warriors of the tribe to deeds of valor in which the tomahawk and scalping knife were to be prominent factors in the coming struggle. To sleep in their corn fields was the rule and there were several instances where the families that for some reason EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 277 had ineurred the displeasure of the Indians had gone to Topeka for protection. Personally, Mr. Ed. Krapp believed the fear of an Indian uprising to be groundless but being aware of the general feeling of unrest among the settlers he went to Mr. Win. Ross (brother of Mr. Chas. Ross), the Indian agent, and induced him to go with him to the Indian camp, state the facts to the chiefs, and prevail on the Indians to return to their deserted villages on the reservation. That the efforts of Mr. Krapp and Agent Ross were successful is indicated by the illustration. THE ROCK ISLAND EATING HOUSE, At McFarland, is conducted on up-to-date methods. "We strive to please" is the motto of the management, and if excellent meals and a lunch counter that would do credit to any city are evidences of an intention to carry out the spirit of their motto the Rock Island people have no reason to fear any adverse criticism relative to their methods as caterers to an appreciative but hungry public. The dining room is a model of beauty, the waitresses are polite and attentive and the viands the best to be had on the market. INDIANS IN ALMA IN 1881. "Palmer's Indians," they were called. The Indians were not look- ing for scalps but Palmer was after the settlers' lands. There were some flaws in the Indian titles and the members of the "lost band" had been found. Palmer came an unbidden guest and a more univer- sally despised man never set foot in Wabaunsee county. The old set- tlers will tell you that the Indians he brought with him were angels in comparison with the man who discovered them. MAIN STREET, HARVEYVILLE, Just as you see it from the depot platform. The old settlers of that neighborhood will be more than usually interested in this illus- tration, by reason of the contrast with the conditions existing 44 years ago— when the nearest railroad station was at Jefferson City, Missouri, and when the settlers got their scant mail from Burlingame, by chance. The floor of Mr. Henry Harvey's house was made of puncheons and that of Sam Devaney and many others were less costly but more substantial — consisting of a solid footing of mother earth. The log cabin was the rule and these were few and far between. 278 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF J. E. BARNES, ALMA. One of the coziest and most attractive private residences in Alma is that of Hon. J. B. Barnes, city attorney of Alma. With a handsome lawn and walks to correspond — situated on the main business street and yet sufficiently removed from the center of trade to insure that quiet so essential to a complete home. THE DOUBLE ARCH BRIDGE Over West branch of Mill creek, four miles southwest of Alma, serves to make this one of the most picturesque spots in Wabaunsee county. Also a fair sample of the many substantial bridges spanning the numerous streams throughout the county — making travel over our country roads at all times safe. Delays from high waters and floods are now things of the past — a fact that is appreciated by the old set- tlers, who, in the early days, could not always leave home with a cer- tainty of returning on schedule time. But the clouds are no longer scanned— nor the weather bulletins consulted— lest a flood might cause unavoidable delays on the way. THE ELIOT CHURCH Is dear to the heart of every resident of Maple Hill township- each and every one of whom rejoices that it has not been abandoned — if not consigned to oblivion— by the consolidation of the Maple Hill churches, as recently proposed. Some alterations have been made in the tower since the photograph was taken, but the picture represents the old church as it was in the days gone by. The memories clustered about the old stone church are numberless and as sacred as they are old. In the churchyard lie buried the people's dead. To this hallowed spot does the suppliant turn — as the Mohammedan to his Mecca— in offering prayers to the Most High. 'Tis here the people come to hold silent commune with those who have gone before. 'Tis here they expect to return when their earthly task is completed; when the Master's work is done. HISTORY. In 1874, it seemed best by some of the families who had recently settled at Maple Hill, from New England, that something be done for the religious welfare of the people of that thriving little city. With that end in view Sunday school was organized in Dist. No. 39. The permanent organization was perfected October 11, 1874, with sixteen EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 279 members. By spring there were one hundred names on the roll, with an actual average attendance of thirty. Rev. L. M. Scribner, of St. Marys, as well as some of the Topeka pastors, preached occasionally and the desire for a permanent organization increased. By the advice of Rev. R. D. Storrs, superintendent of the Kansas home missionary society, and other pastors who had preached here, the necessary steps were taken, and on June 3, 1875, a council of neigh- boring churches convened in the above school house with R. D. Parker, of Manhattan, moderator, and the following churches were repre- sented by pastor and delegate: Topeka. South, Rev. Linus Blakesly and delegate; Topeka, North, Miss H. C. Castle, delegate; St. Marys, Rev. L. M. Scribner and dele- gate; Louisville, Rev. H. C. Scotford and delegate; Manhattan, Rev. R. D. Parker; Alma, Rev. H. Jones and delegate; Dover, Rev. F. P. Newcomb and delegate; Wabaunsee, C. B. Lines and E. F. Burt, dele- gates; Quindaro, Rev. S. D. Storrs. After the devotional exercises Mr. William H. Warren read the record of the previous meetings, conducted by the band of Christian workers, who proposed to organize the church, also the covenant and articles of faith they wished to adopt. The council then retired for deliberation and reported an approval. The following program was then carried out to complete the organization: Sermon, by Rev. L. Blakesly, of Topeka; Reading of the articles of faith and covenant, by Rev. L. M. Scribner; Right hand of fellowship, R. D. Parker; Charge to the church, Rev. S. D. Storrs; Prayer, by Rev. Harvey Jones; Benediction, by Rev. S. W. Newcomb. The following were enrolled as charter members: Messrs. Dura Warren, W. H. Warren, G. W. Moore, J. W. Wood- ford, Henry Allen, Thomas McElroy; Mesdames J. A. M. Cheney, Dura Warren, W. H. Warren, Gr. W. Moore, Thomas McElroy, A. F. Thayer; Misses Alice Warren and Annie E. Warren. In the meantime services were continued in the school house until August, 1882, when the stone church was dedicated, free from debt. Cemetery grounds were laid out adjacent to the church and the following year the parsonage was built. The following are the names of the ministers who have served the church: Revs. L. M. Scribner, Albert Matson, Pliny Smith, J. Mavers, Oscar Ostrum, William S. Crouch. At the time of the dedication in 1882, Rev. W. S. Crouch accepted a call as the pastor of the church, and, with a short intermission, has continued to preach until the present time, 280 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE AT MAPLE HILL. This substantial combination of stone and steel is but one of the eight strong bridges spanning Mill creek along the line of the Rock Island between the mouth of the stream and Alta Vista — besides quite a number of smaller bridges crossing the many pretty streams emptying into the main creek along the route in Wabaunsee county. The material for the stone work was taken from the Fox quarries, now Albert Dieball's, four miles west of Alma— the same quarry furnish- ing the stone for the. depot building at Topeka. AN OLD TIME FENCE, When the only cow was picketed out will be recognized by every old settler in Wabaunsee county. Settlers who fail to connect the illustration with the early incidents of their experience in Kansas are not entitled to the use of the prefix "old" in connection with their coming to the new country. Cattle and corn were incongruous — in that they refused to grow on a farm where fences hadn't been built —unless the cow (usually, being the only representative of the brute creation on the farm) was restrained by the persuasive argument exer- cised by the picket rope — that alone was sufficiently potent to keep "Bossy" outBf the corn patch — we refrain from saying "cornfield" for the reason that the small corners grubbed out in the bends of the creeks were hardly worthy the name as long since interpreted on the broad prairies of Kansas. MEXICAN OVEN AND ADOBE HOUSE. These are inseparable. A New Mexican home would be lacking in one of the essentials were there no oven adjacent to the "casa." The adobe house possesses all the requisites in the matter of comfort, being cool in summer and warm in winter. As to the oven, a pinon or pine stick fire will soon enable the housewife to have ready for the table as nice a baking as could be provided by an expert in any city bakery. The illustration "Goat Curiosity" portrays these active habitues of every Mexican ranch as one may see them at any time while passing through the "Land of the Aztec." For further explanation see our reference to the goat in "The Old Santa Fe Trail." EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. i f- t l*v.*~ 1* — $>: . - • 1 >,\ »la||i|j - i Hi ■ ■' > - 1 ■ -4 ■ ' r. *"" ■'"' ,J ' WEST SIDE MAIN STREET, Maple Hill. EA9T SIDE MAIN STREET, Maple Hill. WILLIAM ROGGE'S ELEVATOR, Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. TEMPLIN POSTOFFICE. VOLLAND STATION. Seven miles southwest of Alma. ■ — H" !i '/ . ■•■ 'Bamtmmrmm MAIN STREET, PAXICO. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE AND FARM BUILDINGS OF MR. J. M. BI3BEY, Pavilion. COUNTY POOR FARM, four miles south of Alma. ■J^P 13 McKELYEY'S STORE AND WOODMAN HALL, Wabaunsee. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. WILMINGTON, ON THE OLD SANTA FE TRAIL, 1901. RESIDENCE OF DR. M. F. TRIVETT, ESKRIDGE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. FOR TWEVE YEA.R3 THE HOME OF TEE SIGNAL, Alma. Where this History was written. MR. AUGUST UTERMANN'S BARN, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. COURT-HOUSE, ALMA. ALMA NATIONAL BANK, ALMA. (Palenske Block). MR. F. C. SIMON'S STORE, ALMA. KINNE & KERANS BLOCK, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. A. H. MESEKE, ALMA. THE NEW COMMERCIAL, ALMA. Mr. S. E. Hull, Proprietor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. •- y/jiv* THE LIMERICK & CRAFTS BLOCK, ALMA. THE DENVER HOUSE, McFARLAND. Mr. Gottlieb Noller, Proprietor. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Pfe PPra&l^^H -.. EESIDENCE OF JUDGE THEODORE S. SPIELMAN, ALMA. RESIDENCE OF MR. CAREY E. CARROLL, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. ARTHUR WINKLER, McFARLAND. MR. ARTHUR WINKLER'S STORE, McFARLAND. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 281 MR. E. C. D. LINES (Dec'd) Was born May 9, 1836, in New Haven, Connecticut. Was educated in the New Haven city schools and at Prof. Lovell's private school. Was a son of Hon. C. B. Lines, president of the Connecticut colony, coming to Kansas with the colony in 1856. On May 24, 1857, was united in marriage to Miss Grace A. Thomas, to which union two children were born, Lizzie and Edna. Mr. Lines was elected register of deeds in 1859, and clerk of the district court the same year. Was clerk of the board of supervisors until 1861, when he joined the army. Was captain of Co. B. 2d Kansas, and was killed on the skirmish line near Fort Smith, Arkansas, September 1, 1863. Was a man of sterling worth and a promising future. It was in his honor the Lines Post, Alma, was named. G. W. GILLIS Was born at Kinsman, Trumbull county, Ohio, November 3, 1832. Came to Kansas in 1855. Landed at Kansas City and walked to Tupeka, then a town principally composed of shacks. One of these where he boarded is yet standing— a short distance north of the Shawnee mills. Afterwards went to Lawrence. Drove stage from Lawrence to Quindaro. Boarded at same house with a printer named Plumb, with whom he was well acquainted— long before Plumb was thought of for U. S. senator. Saw Lane shoot Jenkins at Lawrence and was principal witness. Served four years in the army during the war — was a member of the 6th Ohio cavalry and also a member of the 1st Kansas cavalry, in border ruffian war, of which company Jim Legates was captain. In 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Murdoch, of Kinsman, Ohio, a daughter, now Mrs. F. A. Seaman, being born to this union. Mr. Gillls owns a farm of 190 acres of first class land on Mission creek, but is now a resident of Alma. Is full of old time reminiscences and though nearing the three score and ten mark is hale and hearty and has lost none of that genial spirit that has always been a characteristic of one of our most highly esteemed citizens. C. L. DAVIS. Chet Davis was born at Auburn, Kansas, September 15, 1861. Received a good common school education— enough to make his way through the world, he thought, and has had no reason to complain so far. On March 23, 1882, was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Saffle, to which union nine children were born, eight of whom are 282 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. still living: Jennie, Hadie, Jeff, Winnie, Daisy, Ora, Clarence, and Frank. Mr. Davis is one of the firm of Davis Bros., who own 1,280 acres of good land and pasture 6,000 head of cattle. Is also one of the firm of Fields & Davis, who deal largely in real estate, make loans, and write insurance. Mr. Davis owns one of the coziest homes in Alma and has hosts of friends who hope he may long enjoy it. CHARLES DAILEY Was born near Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1842. Moved with his parents to Indiana in 1855, and to Kansas, August 7, 1874. Has followed transfer work nearly all his life— first in the log- ging camps with oxen and afterwards with horses. Was engaged in freighting between Alma and Wamego before the railroad was built, and freighted for Schmitz & Meyer when they were in the general merchandise business in Alma and is still handling goods for the firm. Charley has seen many of the ups and downs of pioneer life in the northwest and though coming to Wabaunsee county twenty years" after the first settlers, came in time to see the country in its infancy. Mr. Dailey is a lover of children and Harry Newman, his able assist- ant, is a son by adoption. WM. PRINGLE Was born in Roxburgshire, Scotland, August 21, 1856. Came to Canada with his parents when but two years of age, and to Kansas at the age of 14. Is one of the progressive farmers of Plumb township and now resides at the old Pringle homestead. Was twice elected clerk of his home township and held the office of trustee two terms. But the best proof of Mr. Pringle's standing among the people who know him best was his election in November, 1900, to the office of county commissioner, a position he still holds. Is a capable and efficient officer, making a creditable record in one of the most import- ant positions within the gift of the people. MR. J. M. ECK (Dec'd) Was born in New York City, January 6, 1852. Received an excel- lent educational training in the city schools. Came to Alma in 1878, and two years later was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Thoes, to which union eight children were born. Mr. Eck held an exalted place in the esteem of the people, he having been several times elected as a EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 283 member of the city council and mayor of the city. Served the people three years as county commissioner and at the time of his death was a member of the school board. For many years Mr. Eck was resident manager of the Chicago Lumber Co. "Whether as a private citizen or as a public official, deceased was one and the same — ever mindful of the interests of all. But it was in the home that the best points in his character shone brightest. To his friends he was ever loyal and true, but to his family he was more than devoted —ever mindful of the duty devolving on him as a friend and counselor. MR. H. P. THOMPSON (Dec'd) Was born in Union county, Ohio, December 14, 1835. Came to Kansas in 1878. In 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Retina Rudolph, three sons and three daughters being born to this union: George, Charles, and John, and Rhoda, Sarah, and Hattie. On Feb- ruary 25, 1898, death came without warning at his home on Hendricks creek. Deceased was a man with a warm heart and of a sympathetic nature. His affections were centered in and about the home circle, from which he was so suddenly taken away. PETER THOES Was born in Germany, November 1, 1821. Came to America in 1854, and to Kansas the following year, March 1, 1856, locating on the farm where he died, May 30, 1894. On January 19, 1862, was united in marriage to Miss Ernestine Dieball, to which union five children were born: Albert, Ernest, Mrs. Olga Morris, and Hulda, Amelia dying at the age of 14 years. Mrs. Thoes owned a thousand acres of the best farming and grazing land in the county — well stocked and with excel- lent improvements. Mr. Thoes was a man of industrious habits and sterling integrity — characteristics that secured him an enviable place in the esteem of the people. FREDERICK STE1NMEYER, SR. Was born January 14, 1824, in Lippe Detmold, Germany. Came to America December 21, 1856, and to Kansas March 9, 1857. Was educated at AmptSchwalenburg, Germany. On [November 3, 1855, was united in marriage to Miss Frederika Holzapple, to which union nine children were born: Anna, Henrietta, Louisa, Helena, Caroline, Carl, Henry, Frederic, and John. Mr. Steinmeyer owns 320 acres of good 284 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. farming land and has made a success of his chosen calling. Has gone through all the hardships incident to pioneer life and in his declining years has the satisfaction of knowing he has done his duty to the world, and in so doing has secured for himself and family the esteem of all. J. V. CONNELL Was born in Aurora, Indiana, July 2, 1867. Came to Kansas with his parents in his infancy. Received a good common school education and when but a young man learned the trade of blacksmith, a calling for which he is naturally adapted, having proven himself one of the best mechanics in the country. Owns a first class shop and knows how to run it. On March 30, 1892, was united in marriage to Miss Kate Hahn, at San Marcial, INew Mexico, working at his trade in the territory more than five years. He is a diligent worker and is well liked by all his acquaintances. L. A. WALKER Was born at Hinton, West Virginia, August 1, 1868. Came to Kansas February 28, 1898. On October 16, 1901, was united -in mar- riage to Miss Sue I. Haller. Dr. Walker is a graduate of the Univer- sity of Old Virginia, also of the Kansas Medical College. Enjoys a lucrative practice and has the confidence of the people, the best requisite to that success that is already assured. JAMES E. JOHNSON Was born November 5, 1808, in Lewis county, Kentucky. On December 12, 1850, was united in marriage to Miss Alice Disbrow, five children being born to this union: James M., Virginia, Martha, ThomasR., and John W. Of the daughters, Mrs. Virginia McPher- son is a resident of Iola, Kansas, and Mrs. Martha Fields resides in Topeka. Of the sons, Thomas R. died in Streeter, Illinois, in 1893, and John W. died of typhoid fever at Corinth, Mississippi, a member of the 8th Kansas Volunteers. Mrs. James M. Johnson was born in Clinton county, Ohio, February 8, 1841, coming to Kansas with her husband in 1865. (See biography, page 267). Mr. James E. Johnson was one of the early pioneers of the Dragoon settlement, locating on a claim two miles west of Harveyville in 1857. Was a kind and genial gentleman of the old school. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 285 S. G. CANTRILL Was born April 15, 1849, at Snow Hill, Ohio. Came to Kansas, September 5, 1869, locating on Dragoon creek, two miles west of Harveyville. On July 4, 1872, was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Burroughs, to which union two children were born: Ora and Orville. Mr. Cantrill owns nearly 3,000 acres of the best farming land in Wabaunsee county, well improved and adapted to stock raising, his favorite employment— Mr. Cantrill being one of the most extensive dealers in stock in the county. Came to the country when it was new and by industry and good management has secured a place in the front ranks of those on wbom Fortune has smiled from the beginning. But few men are more favorably known and none more highly esteemed than Squire Cantrill. GEORGE A. FECHTER Was born October 7, 1879, at Eppingen, Germany. Came to Amer- ica with his parents when but two years of age, the family locating on West branch. Was educated in the common schools. At the age of 17 accepted a clerkship in a store in Alma, and after four years of efficient service went to Topeka, where he has launched out into business on his own account. The portrait shows Mr. Fechter as he appeared at the age of 21. The face bears the impress of a strong character and indicates a spirit of energy and perseverance that is bound to win success. H. W. STE1NMEYER Is a Wabaunsee county boy, having been born in Farmer township, July 9, 1866. Received a sound educational training in the common schools of the county. On August 3, 1895, was united in marriage to Miss Carrie E. Droege, three children being born to this union: Mildred, Cordelia, and Irene. Mr. Steinmeyer is the owner of a fine farm of 320 acres and besides shipping a car load of prime cattle and hogs occasionally, is a breeder of Duroc Jersey swine, his Egypt Valley herd being the best of the kind in the country. The illustration speaks for itself— commendatory of the owner's persevering effort and success in reaching the topmost round of the ladder in his particular branch. Mr. Steinmeyer always has a few choice lots on sale, and the number of shipments made furnish the best proof of the growing popularity of his herd. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. ALLEN PHILLIPS (Dec'd) Was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, June 12, 1819. Received an excellent educational training in the schools of his native city. On March 3, 1836, was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Graham, ten children being born to this union, seven of whom are still- living: Levi, now at El Reno, Oklahoma; Nancy Jane Ralston, of Washing- ton; Mrs. Mary E. Walker, Paxico; James, in Oklahoma; Allen A., of Vera; William, in California, and Mrs. Martha Higbee, of Fairbury, Illinois. Before coming to Kansas, Mr. Phillips had resided in Illi- nois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and had made two overland trips to Cali- fornia, once with cattle in 1850, and again with a drove of horses in 1864. In 1868, Mr. Phillips came to Wabaunsee county, being among the first settlers after the opening of the Pottawatomie reserve. Was one of the five men who laid out the town of Newbury, and had aid been granted the Santa Fe Railway, Newbury would today rank among the largest cities. in Kansas west of the Missouri river. Mr. Phillips was a man of strong personal character, owned a thousand acres of land and was one of the largest farmers and most extensive wheat raisers in the county. Was county commissioner in the years 1872 and 1873, and was always at the front in the advancement of any public enterprise. (See notes of June 30, 1878, when Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, without a moments warning were called home—in life, esteemed by everyone, and their death universally regretted. W. H. LYONS Was born October 14, 1842, in New York City. Came to Kansas in April, 1865. November 4, 1869, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Mahan. One daughter, Mrs. Bertha Martin, being born to this union. In 1867 Mr. Lyons was appointed deputy sheriff by J. H. Pinkerton, serving two years. Was also deputy under Sheriffs Herrick, Gardner, Russell, and Palenske — some of his early experiences as an official being among the most exciting periods of the county's history— see page 241. Served several terms as city marshal. During the Civil War was corporal in Co. B, 11th INew York infantry, and lias served several terms as Commander of Ed. Lines Post of the G. A. R. at Alma. Mr. Lyons is a carpenter by trade, and though in his 60th year, would pass muster as twenty years younger. But Mrs. Lyons is the older pioneer, having lived on the borders of the Pottawatomie reserve when the settlers slept in their corn fields from choice— at a time when "Dutch Bill" was supplying the Indians with firewater of his own manufacture. Mrs. Lyons tells of Grifenstein's air castles — EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 287 how through the tact and the protection afforded by his Cheyenne wife, he expected to amass a fortune* big enough to enable him to live at his ease — without the wife's further assistance. He discarded his Cheyenne bride for Chief Burnett's daughter, and died with barely enough of this world's wealth to insure the once millionaire a decent burial. *In 1864, while Grifenstein with his Cheyenne wife was on a visit with old friends in Alma and vicinity he would relate how his shrewd wife would trade cups of sugar for fifty dollar bills— the Indian holders not knowing the difference between a one dollar bill and a fifty. Query; Where did the Indians get the fifty dollar bills? Let the ghosts of the lone freighters who met their death on the banks of the Walnut in 1864 give answer. (See "A Timely warning," pages 136-138). GEO. S. CONNELL Was born February 17, 1839, in Aurora, Indiana. In August, 1862, enlisted in the 10th Kentucky Cavalry and was mustered out in September, 1863. On July 1, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Nighbert, to which union six children were born, four of whom survive: Mrs. Cora Kasson, Mrs. Hattie Kasson, Joseph and Jethro. Though for years a resident on the Snokomo, Mr. and Mrs. Connell now reside in Paxico, where he is passing his declining years, enjoying the esteem of all. AUGUST UTERMANN Was born in Westphalia, Germany, December 25, 1857. A good educational training in the public school was supplemented by a course at the Agricultural college of Westphalia. Came to America in Feb- ruary, 1877, stopping in Wisconsin till the following November, when he came to Kansas, locating in Lyon county. In 1884 came to Alma, where he has since resided. In 1888 was united in marriage to Miss Mary Undorf, three daughters being born to this union: Maria, Augusta and Sophia. Ever since coming to Alma Mr. Utermann has been engaged in the livery business. Has built up a good trade and has a constantly increasing patronage. MR. JOSEPH TREU (Dec'd) Was born in Gottingen, Germany, June 22, 1833. Came to America in 1850, enlisting soon after in the regular army, serving on the border under General Harney in several campaigns against the 288 EARLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Sioux Indians. Was in the engagement at Ash Hollow and for a time was stationed at Fort Laramie, protecting the overland traffic to Salt Lake and California. Came to Wabaunsee county in 1857, and on April 20, 1859, was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Klein, to which union seven children, three sons and four daughters were born: Mr. Treu received the benefit of a collegiate education and was eminently fitted for the many official positions he was called on to fill during his lifetime. Besides township and school district offices, he served the people eight years as county commissioner and two years as representative in the state legislature— filling each and every position with credit to himself and honor to his constituents. On April 27, 1901, an eventful life was closed— a man, beloved by the people, one whom they delighted to honor, had gone to rest. SAMUEL R. WEED Was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, February 21, 1832. Came to Kansas in the fall of 1850. Received the benefit of a collegiate education at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, thoroughly fitting himself— from an educational standpoint— for the battle of life. In 1861, Mr. Weed was elected register of deeds. In 1862, 1864, and 1866, was elected clerk of the district court. In 1865, was elected county treas- urer, and in 1867 was elected to the offices of county clerk, register of deeds, and surveyor, and in 1868, district clerk and representative. The battle of life was on. The county had no safe in those days, but the old settlers will tell you there was no need of a safe— Sam carried the funds in his vest pocket. In those days the office sought the man and Mr. Weed was found as many as three times in a single campaign —holding as many as five offices at one and the same time. But there were no newspapers then and consequently no kicking. Mr. Weed's portrait is from a photograph taken while a member of the legislature. Today, he is the same genial "Sam" as of old— kind hearted to the core, and brimming full of reminiscences of Auld Lang Syne. May he live long to relate them. ALDEN E. TRUE Was born in West Corinth, Orange county, Vermont, June 7, 1845. Good educational training in the common schools was supplemented by a two years course in the seminary at New Hampton, New Hamp- shire. In 1870, Mr. True came to Kansas, locating on the farm in Newbury township, where he has since resided. In January, 1878, was united in marriage to Miss Marcia L. Castle, to which union two sons EAELY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 289 and two daughters were born. The many evidences of good will and confidence reposed in Mr. True by the people are indicated by the fact that he has served one year as township clerk, three years as trustee and more than, twenty years as a member of the school board. Was three years county commissioner and for four years was state senator; filled each and every office with credit to himself and honor to the people he represented in the full meaning of the term. As senator, Mr. True was especially interested in securing liberal appropriations for state and educational institutions, believing that the people and the state are insured the best returns from funds thus expended. Mr. True owns one of the neatest country homes in the county (see illustration), located near the center of a fine farm of 965 acres. Is one of our most influential citizens and is universally esteemed— a fact too often proven to admit of successful contradiction, and a statement in no danger of being challenged. A. A. JONES Was born November 18, 1844, at Syracuse, Ohio. On October 22, 18(jf>, was united in marriage to Miss Maria Lanius, to which union seven children were born: Cora, Sheldon, Ed., Clyde, Nettie, Pearl, and Ellice. Mr. Jones owns a fine farm of 320 acres, at Bradford, the J. M. Meredith homestead, where he is engaged in mixed farming and stock raising. Has attained success by years of industry, good man- agement and up-to-date methods. Has an interesting family and a pleasant home, and enjoys the esteem of all. JOHN PETERSON Was born in Denmark, December 5, 1833. Came to America in 1863, locating in Connecticut. In 1870, came to Kansas, settling on a homestead three miles northwest of Eskiidge, where he lived until his death, on June 17, 1894, at the age of 64 years. But few men have fought the battle of life against greater odds than did Mr. Teterson. To the young men of today he set an example that they might well consider. With a determination to win he knew no such word as fail. He started literally at the bottom of the ladder but before the end came had left his family located in a comfortable home. At first he dug into the bank for a place to rest at night, from the laborious employment in which he always engaged during the day. He quarried rock and wheeled them to the place selected for a home on a wheel- barrow of his own make. For mortar he used clay, and when the walls had reached the proper height a roof of sod was laid to shed the 290 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. rain and snow. The quarters were comfortable, not elegant, maybe, but — it was home. But provisions must be had. He had no money, but strong arms, and with these he sought employment at Topeka. The provisions earned by hard labor were wheeled home on that home- made wheelbarrow. To say that John Peterson succeeded in gaining a competency for himself and family would be superfluous. Chris- tiana Peterson died June 5, 1894, at the age of 60 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson eight children were born, six of whom are living: H. P., Mary, John, Samuel, Curtis, and Fred. If the children but follow the example of their worthy parents success is theirs— and happiness and contentment, as well. WALDO G. BURROUGHS Was born in [New York, November 7, 1846. Came to Kansas in 1869. On November 15, 1876, was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Cantrill, to which union four children were born: Lilly, Leona, Edna and Allie. Owns 160 acres of good land on which he erected one of the coziest farm homes in Wabaunsee county, planned by his worthy helpmeet, whose ability as an architect is proven by practical demon- stration in a practical way. A part of Mr. Burroughs' farm was the John Meredith homestead. The original claim house was an 8x10 frame, in which a part of the first term of school in Dist. 27 was taught by Marion Meredith. The house wasn't very big but several pupils from outside districts could have been accommodated— if there had been any outside districts. Sunday school was held here, and, occasionally, Mr. Joseph Hughes exhorted and Mr. W. S. McCormick preached. Near at hand is a hole of water where, in 1870, Mr. McCor- mick baptized a half dozen converts to the faith that brings solace to the soul, buoys up the frail body while here, and fits us for that better life beyond the grave. MR. HENRY MICHAELIS, SR. (Dec'd) Was born in Luxemberg, Germany, January 20, 1823. Came to America in 1847, locating at Indianapolis, Indiana. On June 19, 1851, was united in marriage to Katharine Ruf, at Indianapolis, where he resided until 1868, when he came to Topeka, Kansas. In February, 1870, came to Wabaunsee county, locating at Newbury. To Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis ten children were born, nine of whom are now living: Floribert, Robert, and Joseph (these three living at Indianapolis); Lizzie Glotzbach and George, of Los Angeles, California; John, Henry, Nicholas, and Mrs. Margaret Eagan— living in this county. Mr. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 291 Michaelis was a carpenter by trade. He also owned a nice farm, on which he lived at the time of his death, on January 9, 1894, Mrs. Michaelis dying but two days later, at the age of 66 years. Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis were kind and genial to all and were universally esteemed. JOHN H. MICHAELIS Was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 27, 1852, being the eldest son of Henry Michaelis, Sr. (deceased). Came to Kansas with his parents when 16 years of age. On November 28, 1878, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schroeder, of Indianapolis, seven children being born to this union, six of whom are living: John, William, Nicholas, Frank, Clara, and Leo. Mr. Michaelis, like his father before him, is a carpenter by trade, but has taken time to serve the people, faithfully, in one of the most responsible offices in the gift of the people — that of county treasurer— serving two terms, from 1892 to 1896. Is an up-to-date farmer and one of our most substantial citizens. FRANK HODGSON Was born July 13, 1862, on the farm, near Harveyville, on which he has resided all his life. On March 14, 1886, was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Woods, four children being born to this union: Alta, Archie, Louis, and Ernest. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson were both engaged in teaching prior to their marriage and are probably the oldest married couple, both of whom were born in the county. Mr. Jehu Hodgson, father of the subject of this notice, was the first sheriff of Wabaunsee county, being three times elected. Brought the first team of horses into the Dragoon settlement. Mr. Frank Hodgson has followed in the footsteps of his father, being one of the leading horse breeders of the county. Was three years president of the Old Set- tlers' association and enjoys the confidence and esteem of every one. W. S. WHITLOCK Was born near Belleville, Illinois, February 4, 1874, his parents coming to Kansas the following year, locating in Kaw township. A good educational training in the district schools was supplemented by a full course of instruction at the Campbell University at Holton, taking in addition a special course in civil engineering For several 292 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. years Mr. Whitlock has been engaged in teaching, being in the front rank of laborers in the work of the school room. In 1889, was elected to the office of county surveyor and is the present incumbent in that important office. Mr. Whitlock is the youngest county officer, is pop- ular with the people, especially with those of his own township. JOHN MOCK Was born in Prussia, Germany, November 14, 1836. In 1845, when but nine years of age, came with his parents to America, locating at Davenport, Iowa. In 1850, the family moved to Illinois, where Mr. Mock remained until 1869, when he came to Kansas, where he now resides— two miles north of Paxico. In 1858, Mr. Mock was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Meinhardt, fifteen children being born to this union, nine living, all in the vicinity of Newbury: Mrs. Elibabeth Schmitz, Valentine, Mrs. Emma Rickstatter, James, Paul- ine, 'William, Mrs. Caroline Zeller, John, and Josephine. Mr. Mock is one of the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Newbury township. He was for many years a justice of the peace and one of the influential citizens who could always be relied upon in securing the rights of the people in the game of politics. Mr. Mock's father, Nicholas Mock, a fine old gentleman of the old school, died in 1900, at the advanced age of 93 years. The son (in the illustration), Mr. Valentine Mock, is also a prosperous farmer and one of the rising men of influence in New- bury township^ Edward sits on his papa's lap, and if longevity is the rule in the family in the future as in the past, he, as a representative of the fourth generation, may have the pleasure of showing this picture of four generations to his great, great, grandchildren. GEORGE S. BURT Was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1838. Received an excellent educational training at the high school in INew Brittain, Connecticut. Came to Kansas in November, 1859, and on March 16, 1863, was united in marriage to Miss Lulu B. Lines, to which union nine children were born, six of whom are living: F. I., George S M Henry F., Sherman B., Chas. L., and Louis B. When Mr. Burt came to Kansas, he walked from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Wabaunsee. Had just ten cents in money on his arrival. Now owns one of the best farms in the county, 160 acres of the best bottom land in the Kaw Valley. Served eleven years as township trustee and took the census of the county in 1870. Is a leading citizen and enjoys the confidence of the people. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 293 ALBERT MUCKENTHALER Was born in Scott county, Minnesota, June 9, 1862. Came to Kan- sas in 1869, and on October 22, 1891, was united in marriage to Miss ista Ebert, to which union six children were born, four of whom survive: Abbie, Walter, Viola, and Lawrence. Owns an excellent farm of 140 acres— all bottom, but devotes the greater part of his time to buying and shipping bogs and cattle. Always pays the high- est price the condition of the markets will allow and in all his dealings follows the precepts of the golden rule. EDWIN FORREST MOORE Was bom at Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, May 6, 1856. Came to Kan- sas in December, 1886, and two years later was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Crawford, to which union two children were born: Arthur N. and Florence A. Moore. Dr. Moore is a graduate of the Kansas City Medical College and a post graduate of one of the leading medical colleges in the City of Chicago. Is pleasantly located at Esk- ridge, where he enjoys a lucrative practice. F. M. MEREDITH Was born in Coles county, Missouri, January 10, 1847. Came to Kansas in 1869 and in 1870 was united in marriage to Miss Sue D. Carter, three children being born to this union. Besides a nice home Mr. Meredith is proprietor of the Hotel Meredith, at Eskridge. Is a popular landlord and in conjunction with his estimable wife, has demonstrated to the traveling public that the leading hotel at Esk- ridge is an institution of which that thriving little city may well be proud. GEORGE G. CORNELL Was born November 20, 1828, in Bristol, Ontario county, New York, coming to Kansas in 1S79, locating at Alma. Received excellent educational advantages at Canandagua Academy, supplemented by the full course at Genessee College, of which he is a graduate. Received his degree as Bachelor of Laws at the State and National Law School, atPoughkeepsie, New York, graduating with the highest honors. On January 3, 1873, was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Emma Avery. Besides nearly seven hundred acres of land in Wabaun- see county, Mr. and Mrs. Cornell own several fine residence properties 294 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. in Topeka, where the family now resides. On September 27, 1881, Mr. Cornell met with one of the severest losses of a life time by the burn- ing of the Krueger building — the first big fire in Alma. Besides a library of more than a thousand volumes, many of them very valuable, many family portraits and souvenirs, much valuable manuscript was consumed. Among the latter was the manuscript of a legal work on Vested Rights and Eminent Domain that Mr. Cornell, after years of hard labor, had just completed and had ready for publication. In 1894, Mr. Cornell was elected to the state legislature, his legal know- ledge and matured judgment eminently fitting him for the responsible position. Mr. Cornell is well versed in the law, meeting with unusual success in his practice. He is conservative and conscientious and in an enviable degree has a warm place in the hearts of the people. C. J. GLOTZBACH Was born October 1, 1851, in Harrison county. Indiana. Came to Kansas, April 18, 1870. On May 28, 1878, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Fischer, to which union were born nine children. Besides owning 320 acres of excellent farm land Mr. Glotzbach is carrying one of the largest and best assorted stocks of goods in Wa- baunsee county, succeeding by purchase to the business for years successfully carried on by Bolton Bros. Mr. Glotzbach enjoys a tine trade and is making a success of the mercantile business as he has heretofore on the farm. WILLIAM ROGGE Was born October 9, 1861, in Grant county, Wisconsin, coming to Kansas in 1886. On May 1, 1901, was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Guest, one of Alma's most popular young ladies and for several years a saleslady with Bolton Bros., of Paxico, and Erbachers, of St. Marys. Since 1888 Mr. Rogge has operated a threshing machine and elevator and has been a dealer in feed, paying the highest cash prices for grain. Is a stirring business man who has attained success by treating the people right. W. H. EARL (Dec'd) Was born in Richland county, Ohio, November 2, 1829. Moved with his parents to Indiana. Came to Kansas in 1809, locating on a homestead one mile east of Eskridge, where he died December 20, 1885. In 1877, Mr. Earl opened a small country store at the "Corners." In EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 295 1880, when the M. A. & B. was completed to Eskridge the small stock of goods was removed to the new town, and from a small beginning a large trade was soon established. After his death, in 1885, the busi- ness was continued under the firm name of Earl Bros., until Charlie's death, November 23, 1899, since which time Mr. W. H. Earl, Jr., has conducted one of the largest dry goods and grocery stores in the county. In the Civil war Mr. Earl was a member of the 4th Iowa Battery, the photograph showing him in his uniform being the only one available. Of the family but four children survive, two of the daughters living in Washington and two sons in Eskridge, Mr. Ed. Earl and Mr. W. H. Earl, Jr., proprietor of the store. C. C. COPP Was born July 3, 1876, at Paxico, Kansas. Received a good, prac- tical education in the common schools. On March 15, 1898, was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Klein, an estimable young lady of Kansas City. Since July 7, 1878, has been engaged in the grocery business with HERMAN B. OEHMS Another popular young man, of Eskridge, but for many years a resident of Paxico. Mr. Oehms was born August 2, 1878, and the business is conducted under the lirm name of Copp & Oehms — two young men who have won their way to popular favor by honest and fair dealing and strict business methods. ANTON SCHEWE Was born in Prussia, Germany, November 2, 1830. Landed in New York, January 20, 1851, locating at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Came to Kansas in the spring of 1856, settling on the farm on which he still resides. Owns 800 acres of good farming and grazing lands in Wabaun- see county and 900 acres in Louisiana, the value of which is likely to reach the million mark. For fifteen years Mr. Schewe was elected trustee of what was then Alma township— Farmer township having since been organized— an excellent proof of his standing in the com- munity where he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Schewe have four children: Mary, Willie, Anton, and Clara, and are pleasantly located in a com- fortable home five miles south of Alma. 296 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. M. JESTER Was born November 23, 1838, in Camden, Delaware. Came to Kansas in 1867, and to Wabaunsee county two years later. On October 6, 1872, was united in marriage to Miss Kate Woodard, a daughter, Mrs. Birdie Cartwright, being born to this union. Mrs. Kate Jester dying, was a second time married — to Mrs. Jennie Lowe, on June 18, 1890. Mr. Jester has held the offices of township trustee and treasurer, owns 238 acres of good farming land and by industry and well directed energy has attained that degree of success of which he is in every way deserving-. MR. E. H. SANFORD (Dec'd) Was born January 24, 1822, in Allegheny county. New York. Came to Kansas in 1857, and to Eskridge in 1868. In 1863, was united in marriage to Mary J. St. John, two daughters being born to this union. Col. Sanford, as he was always called, was educated at Ann Arbor, Michigan, being a graduate of the law department of ttie Uni- versity of Michigan. As a man of letters Col. Sanford ranked far above many who attained wider distinction. Asa financier he was a failure. But he possessed stores of wealth denied to others better equipped to win smiles from that fickle goddess — Fortune. He was a man with a resourceful brain and generous impulses. He was the father of Eskridge. And yet when he staked his all on the issue; when he invested his last dollar in the first house built in Eskridge there were doubting Thomases who tapped their foreheads with ominous meaning. But later on when a change of 19 votes would have made Eskridge the county seat, opinions derogatory to the Colonel's judgment underwent a change. To his persistence is due the fact that, today, Eskridge has a place on the map. Let credit be given to whom it is due. On April 11, 1901, at Columbus, Ohio, the spirit left the tenement of clay — the rays from a bright intellect had been extin- guished; a man with a kind heart had gone home. E. STURDY Was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1858. Came to Kansas in 1883. On July 24, 1880, was united in marriage to Miss E. J. Flick- inger, to which union seven children were born: Esther, Harry, Ralph, Guy, Dora, Ray, and Glenn. Mr. Sturdy is manager of the Freeman ranch, six miles southeast of Eskridge, owns 600 acres of land, and has attained a degree of success that is alike flattering to the man 'and to the country and conditions that have made that success possi ble. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 29; AUGUST HANSEN Was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, April 10, 1860. Came to America in 1880, and two years later, to Kansas. Received the benefits of a good education at Apenlarade, Germany. Owns an excellent farm of 160 acres, near McFarland, and one of the prettiest farm houses in the county. Is proprietor of the McFarland Creamery, and besides supplying the markets with the best quality of choice dairy butter has the contract for supplying the Rock Island eating house with cream— annually supplying the Rock Island management with more than three thousand gallons of choicest cream. His creamery is equipped with all the modern improvements and is one of the best in the country. WILLIAM MAAS Was born May 26, 1841, at Hagenow, Mecklenburg, Germany. Came to America in August, 1869, direct to Wabaunsee county, loca- ting on the farm where he now resides— in one of the coziest farm residences in the county. (See illustration). Mr. Maas received a classical education in the city schools of Hagenow, and started out well equipped, from an educational stand-point, for the battle of life. On June 11, 1861, Mr. Maas was united in marriage to Miss Lisette Stellies, to which union nine children were born, five sons and four daughters. Mr. Maas owns 920 acres of good land, and the fact that he has served the people several years as justice of the peace and has been elected seven times as township trustee is the best indication of his high standing among those best informed as to his merits. MR. PATRICK MAGUIRE (Dec'd) Was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in March, 1828. Came to America in 1846, locating in Pennsylvania. Came to Kansas in 1871, but not did permanently locate here until 1873— on the farm where he died, on December 25, 1899, at the age of 71 years and 9 months. Mrs. Reahill Maguire died February 6, 1901, at the age of 75 years, 9 months and 5 days. To Mr. and Mrs. Maguire, four sons and a daughter were born, all but one son surviving: Hugh, John, and Pat, all living on and near the old homestead. Mary, the only daughter, is happily married and lives in Kansas City. Mr. Maguire owned a fine farm of 272 acres and by industry and economy had amply provided for his children. He was generous and warm hearted and of a kindred spirit was his worthy helpmeet. 298 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. CHARLES N. EARL (Dec'd) Was one of the men holding official place in Wabaunsee county who died in office. He had been mayor of his home town, Eskridge, two terms, and was serving his second term as county commissioner. He came to Wabaunsee county in 1869. with his parents, when he was but a small boy. Grew up in the old home near the "Corners," of which his father's homestead was a part. Carried on the mercantile business, the legacy of his father, for twenty- live years, and during that time never turned a deaf ear to the needy nor refused to lend a helping hand to the distressed. Mr. Earl died December 28, 1899. His estimable widow and an only daughter reside in Eskridge — a town in which Mr. Earl always took a leading part in the upbuilding. L. T. RICE Was born in West Hartford, Connecticut, September 2, 1852. Came to Kansas in 1856, with his parents, who located in Shawnee county. Mr. Rice was left motherless at the age of 7 years. Received a good common school education, supplemented by a course at a busi- ness college. His boyhood was spent on the farm and in driving three yoke of oxen, drawing material from Lawrence and Leaven- worth, to Topeka, to erect what was then known as Lincoln College but now a part of Washburn. After the close of the Civil war returned with his parents to Connecticut, but after a two years residence again came to Kansas. Worked two years for the Santa Fe and again returned to the farm. Was married in 1880, and five years later came to this county, locating near Halifax. In 1890 was elected probate judge and two years later was re-elected. In 1899, was elected county commissioner and is the present incumbent in that office. Is a progressive farmer and a popular official. JAMES H. LAWLOR Was born October 5, 1830, at Buffalo, New York. Became a sailor and served twenty years steady on the lakes. Was captain on several boats. Served in the U. S. Navy during the Civil war. Came to Kan- sas in 1870, locating the first hotel in Eskridge. Was the town company's agent for the sale of the whole town site. Mr. Lawlor was the first station agent at Eskridge; was one of the first councilmen, and served three terms as mayor. On April 3, 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Mansfield, four children being born to this union: Geo. H., Franklin H., Amy M. Swartz, and Lettie J. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 299 Cosley, Mr. Lav/lor has, from the day of its location been an enthusi- astic advocate of the prosperity and upbuilding of Eskridge. His wife. Mrs. Mary Lawlor, was the first postmistress of Eskridge, and, with her husband, has done much to build up and beautify the town. She now conducts the Palace House in Eskridge, where she enjoys a large trade. JOHN Y. WAUGH Was born July 31, 1858, in Ontario, Canada. Received the best of educational advantages at Listowel, Ontario. In 1888 was united in marriage to Miss Sadie D. Gallagher, to which union five children were born: Grace, William, Ivan, John Y., Jr., and Davis. Long years of service in the banking business, combined with business sagacity of no ordinary degree have brought phenomenal success to one of Eskridge's most prominent citizens. Mr. Waugh's residence is commodious and handsome— one of the prettiest in the city. DR. AUGUST BRASCHE (Dec'd) Was born June 13, 1820. Came to Wabaunsee county in 1857. from Wyandotte, where he first located, running the largest drugstore in the city. On June 11, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schultz, of West Branch. Dr. Brasche was elected coroner March 28, 1859, and was re-elected six times in succession. Was township treas- urer several terms and was eight times elected township trustee, holding that office at the time of his death, on March 19, 1883, after a few days illness with pneumonia, leaving an estimable wife, three sons and a daughter to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father, a most estimable citizen, and one who was probably more widely known than any other man in the county. Dr. Brasche was a graduate of one of the best medical colleges in Europe, located at Halverstadt, Prussia. In early life entered the Prussian army as Surgeon with the rank of Lieutenant. Was more than usually proficient in the art of surgery and on many occasions demonstrated his thorough familiarity with every detail of his profession. LOUIS PALENSKE Was born January 3, 1858, on the farm, near Alma. Received the benefits of a good educational training in the Alma city schools, under the supervision of Profs. Kroenke and Orlopp. On January 7, 1883, was united in marriage to Miss Emma Thoes, to which union three 300 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. sons: Max, Fred, and Arnold, and two daughters, Miss Minnie and little Laura, were born. In 1877, Mr. Palenske took up the study of photography, under the tutorship of the ablest masters of the art in Topeka and Kansas City, mastering the business in every detail and acquiring for himself a reputation as an artist of more than local celebrity. In 1882, Mr. Palenske opened a small book and stationery store; musical instruments and sewing machines were added until his business was immense in volume, and today he carries perhaps the largest stock of a similar kind in the county. In 1888, banking on a small scale was added to his list of business ventures, under the firm name of L. Palenske & Co. Later, in 1889, this was merged into the Alma State Bank, and on January 3, 1898, into the Alma National Bank, of which excellent institution Mr. Palenske has been cashier since the organization of the bank. In 1890, Mr. Palenske was elected representative in the state legislature, and in this as well as in all other positions of honor and trust, acquitted himself with credit to himself and to his constituents. No man in Wabaunsee county is more widely known and more highly esteemed than is Mr. Palenske. His father, Mr. Fred Palenske, was one of the earliest pioneers, settling on the line of the Pottawatomie reserve when there were but few white neighbors and when log houses were the rule, and they, few and far between. MR. HENRY GRAVES (Dec'd) Was born in Prussia, Germany, July 9, 1844. Came to America in April, 1865, and to Kansas in 1876. On November 9, 1870, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Grafar. eight children being born to this union: Lizzie, Katie, Harry, Emma, William, May, Dora, and Lena. On July 23, 1900, Mr. Graves died at his home, near McFarland. He owned 320 acres of land and by industry and economy had accumu- lated a handsome competency for a worthy family who were left to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. A. R. STROWIG Was born January 9, 1863, in Jackson county, Kansas. Received the benefit of an excellent educational training in the Holton city schools. On October 24, 1887, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kaul, to which union five children were born: Warner, Harry, Edna, Olive, and Elmer. Mr. Strowig built the first house on the present site of Paxico and resides in one of the coziest homes in the city. Started in business in 1887 and by a strict attention to the wants of EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. y, ^*fc* POi'NTZ AVENUE, MANHATTAN, lb66. A government train on the way to Fort Leavenworth — taking forage. RESIDENCE OF MR. S. H. FAIRFIELD, ALMA. EARLY. HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. BOLTON BROS. (NOW C. J. GLOTZBACH'SJ) STORE.SPAXICO. RESIDENCE OF MR. C. O. KINNE, ALMA. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE MR. FRED REUTER, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. B. CASSIDY, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. C. TOMSON, Paxico. RESIDENCE OF DR. O. E. WEBB, Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. •ffl^rVwiii!'- AmtX. •> *' i RESIDENCE OF MR. GEORGE SUTHERLAND, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MRS. E. MEYER, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. C. HENDERSON, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. MORITZ HUND, near Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. R. HENDERSON, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. E. STURDY, Manager Freemau Ranch, Bradford. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. MATT THOMSON, Alma. m ■ ! .1 WmM ?l'"» l!lllllll| MJ!!!J!glBg^JJ! | ! | P'^ RESIDENCE OF MR. J. H. STDEWE, Alma. 3 -V RESIDENCE OF MR. GU3 SCHROEDER, Alma. RESIDENCE OF WM. RICKERSHAUSER, Near Halifax. RESIDENCE OF MR. ROBERT STROWIG, near Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. C. L. DAVIS, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. H. McMAHAN, Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. R. FIX, VOLLAND, 1901. RESIDENCE OF MR. ALBERT DIEBALL, NEAR ALMA, 1901. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 301 his customers has acquired a handsome competency. Deals in grain and live stock, hardware, implements, etc. Is an up-to-date business man and his success is already assured. JOSEPH GLOTZBACH, SR. Was born in Grosherzog, Germany, February 12, 1825. Came to America in 1839. After one year's residence in Louisville, Kentucky, the family moved to Indiana. In 1856, moved to Wisconsin and in 1870, came to Kansas, locating in Newbury township. In 1849, was united in. marriage to Miss Margaret Sendelbach, to which union eight children were born: Charles, George, William, Rosa, Kate, Joseph, Mary (deceased), and Valentine. For eight years prior to his marriage Mr. Glotzbach was a cigar maker. With the exception of his son, George, who, in November, 1900, moved to California, the children live in Newbury township, within a short distance of the old home- stead — where, in peace and quietude, Mr. Glotzbach, Sr., and his estimable helpmeet live at ease, in the enjoyment of the fruits of a well spent life. (See illustration). PHILLIP HUND Was born in Mankato, Minnesota, October 13, 1865. Came to Kansas with his parents when but five years of age, the family locating near Newbury. Was educated in the district and parochial schools. On May 1, 1888, was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lamm, to which union seven children were born. Until September, 1900, Mr. Hund was one of the progressive farmers of Newbury township, but is at present proprietor of the Hotel Paxico, which, under his efficient management has attained a reputation as a popular stopping place with the traveling public— equalled by few and excelled by none. CHARLES H. THOMPSON Was born March 9, 1856, in Union county, Ohio. Came with his parents to Kansas in 1866, locating on the farm on Hendricks creek. A good common school education was supplemented by several years attendance at the Kansas State Agricultural College, at Manhattan. On December 11, 1877, was united in marriage to Miss Maria Myers, daughter of Rev. Hiram Myers. Mrs. Thompson died August 17, 1883, and Homer, the only child, died November 25, 1894. On March 18, 1885, was united in marriage to Miss Minnie C. Rand, four children being born to this union: Miss Mabel, Raymond O, George Eldon, 302 EARLY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. and Rollin. For a number of years Mr. Thompson occupied a leading place as teacher in the schools of Wabaunsee county. In November, 1897, was elected to the office of register of deeds of Wabaunsee county. After rendering the people efficient service for two years retired from office of his own volition and against the urgent wishes of his friends, considering his duty to his family and his own private business interests paramount to all other considerations. Though now a resi- dent of Riley county he will ever occupy a warm place in the hearts of the people of Wabaunsee county. LOUIS UNDORF Was born in New York City, August 2, 1866. Came with his parents to Kansas in October, 1878, the family locating in Alma. Received the benefit of a good educational training in the city schools of Brooklyn, N. Y. When 17 years of age engaged as clerk with Mr. J. B. Cassidy, being consecutively employed by Messrs. Cassidy, Lim- erick, P. R. Meyers, Green, and Miller for eight years, when he went into business for himself as proprietor of the City Meat Market, in which he has been ever since engaged— his business growing from an infant industry to a volume that would do credit to any city of much larger pretensions than Alma. By a strict attention to business methods and the needs of his customers Mr. Undorf has achieved that degree of success of which he is in every way deserving. CHARLES B. HENDERSON Was born September 29, 1865, at Peoria, Illinois. Came to Kansas with his parents in 1872, the family settling in Mission Creek town- ship. Received the benefit of a good educational training in the schools of Peoria, Illinois, and in those of his home district. Was deputy register of deeds six years. Was admitted to the Wabaunsee county bar in 1892, since which time has enjoyed a lucrative practice, but finds more agreeable and remunerative employment in looking after the investments being made by Henderson Bros, in mining properties in Arkansas and Wyoming. Is one of the organizers and principal stockholders of the Wyoming Copper & Gold Mining Co., it being the purpose of the Company to develop their valuable mining properties, twelve miles south of Grand Encampment, Wyoming, the investment already promising fabulous returns to the stockholders. Equally promising are the prospective returns from investments made in the Arkansas lead and zinc fields, valuable timber lands and marble quarries constituting auxiliary features none the less desirable. The EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 303 firm of Henderson Bros, is also largely engaged in the cattle and grazing business, real estate, loans, abstracting and insurance. The subject of this sketch is a thorough going business man, who, by honest dealing and strict application to business methods has secured the key to the door of success, the opening of which only awaits his bidding. HERMAN ARNDT Was born November 25, I860, on the farm at Templin, where he now resides. On February 21, 1886, was united in marriage to Miss Ida Johnson, five children being born to this union: Eleanor, Arthur, Walter, Herman, and Gertrude. Mr. Arndtowns an excellent farm of 500 acres, and in addition to mixed farming is largely engaged in the business of raising thoroughbred Poland Chinas, the demand for which indicates the wide reputation achieved by his fine hogs. Mr. Arndtisnota politician but has served the people of Garfield and Washington townships four years as clerk and and five years as town- ship trustee. Was a popular official, but his duties on the farm engross his entire attention, leaving no time to indulge in the thank- less and unprofitable game of politics. MR. HEINRICH JOSEPH UNDORF (Dec'd) Was born May 28, 1820, at Kommerscheid, Prussia. Came to Alma in October, 1878, from New York City, where he had lived many years, following the occupation of tailor from his boyhood days until his death, on December 17, 1901. Was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Thoes, eight children being born to this union: Mrs. Catharine Femmel, Mrs. Mary Utermann, Charlie, Mrs Theresa Orff, Louis, Sister Mary Leander, Mrs. Barbara Tenbrinck, and Hubert — worthy and estimable, all, as was their father before them — with a kindly face and a warm heart he passed the threshold of life with an unsul- lied name, and beloved by everyone. E. WORSLEY Was born in Upper Canada, July 1, 1848. Moved to Wappingers Falls, New York, in April, 1865, and from thence to Kansas, April 1, 1877. Received a good educational training, even though it was in a log school house in the woods of Upper Canada. On March 13, 1877, was united in marriage to Miss J. Whitehead, to which union seven children were born: John E., J. P., E. Rowland, Frank W., Fred 304 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Arthur, Edith M., and Constance V. Worsley. In 1889, Mr. Worsley was elected county commissioner for a three years term, rendering the people efficient service in one of the most important offices in the gift of the people. Owns a good farm of 400 acres and is pleasantly located in a comfortable home in Maple Hill township. W. G. WEAVER Was horn January 7, 1864, in New London, Connecticut. Came to Kansas with his parents when but four years of age, the family loca- ting at Wabaunsee. Dr. L. P. Weaver, the father, was a skilled physician and for several years postmaster at Wabaunsee— where, on January 23, 1874, he died at the age of 74 years. On December 14, 1892, the subject of this notice was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Chamberlain, to which union three children were born: Marguerite, Hall, and the baby— three months having passed in an unavailing search for a name pretty enough to fit the little one's personal appearance. Mr. Weaver served the people four years as clerk of the district court and several additional years as deputy. Was a capable official and as popular as efficient. Since November 1, 1899, has been engaged in the abstract business in Alma. HENRY GRIMM Was born June 16, 1831, in Weinsberg, Wurtemburg, Germany. Came to America in 1852 and five years later to Kansas, locating on the farm near Volland, where he now resides. Received excellent educational advantages, taking a college course at Meinfels, Germany. In 1857, was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Graaf, seven children being born to this union: Charles, Emma, Rosa, George, William, Edward, and Joseph. Mr. Grimm owns one of the largest farms in the county, there being 2,090 acres in the tract, 200 acres being in a high state of cultivation. The farm is stocked with 200 head of fine cattle, the place furnishing excellent pasturage for a much larger number. Though among the early settlers Mr. Grimm had no fear of the Indians. He manifested his friendship on so many occasions that a strong bond of mutual regard grew up between the pioneer settler and the sons of the forest. But on the plains Mr. Grimm didn't fare so well. (See page 119). Two gruesome souvenirs remind him of that life and death struggle at Platte Bridge in 1864. One arrow point passed entirely through his leg, the shaft protruding seven inches on either side. Another was buried three inches in his spine. But after weeks of suffering his health was partially restored. But though 38 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 305 years have gone by Mr. Grimm is constantly reminded of that savage onslaught of the Sioux Indians at Platte Bridge. Mr. Grimm is one of Wabaunsee county's most substantial citizens, who has proven by his works what can be accomplished by leading a life of industry, strict integrity, and a conscientious regard for the rights of his fellows. WILLIAM TRUSLER Was born October 10, 1853, in Sinclairville, Chautauqua county, New York. Came to Kansas in 1881, locating at Eskridge, where he lias always been found doing business at the old stand. On September 25, 1883, was united in marriage to Miss Carrie M. Lown, two children being born to this union: Golden and Geraldine. Mr. Trusler has been engaged in the hardware business in Eskridge for 21 years and his success has been phenomenal. Besides being one of the thorough going, energetic business men of our neighboring city he has shown himself as generous and public spirited as he is far seeing and pro- gressive— his donation to the Wesleyan Methodist College being the best of proof that any statement tending to create a' favorable impres- sion in Mr. Trusler's behalf cannot be overdrawn. Should the large stone building prove inadequate to the needs of the school in the near future neither Mr. Trusler nor his friends will have the least reason for regret. In proportion as the attendance shall increase in numbers just in that ratio will Mr. Trusler's wishes be gratified and the expectations of his friends be realized. A. F. WADE Was born October 29, 1843, at Kinsman, Trumbull county. Ohio. Received the benefits of an excellent educational training at James- town, Pennsylvania. On October 13, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Orra C. Cole, two children berng born to this union: Harmon C. and Dolson N. Wade. On March 26, 1868, came to Kansas, locating on the farm near Keene postoffice, where he has since resided. Taught school in Pennsylvania and for a number of years after coming to Kansas, taking a front place in the work of the school room. Was for several years a member of the board of examiners and from 1886 to 1889 was a member of the board of county commissioners, and in 1889, represented Wabaunsee county in the state legislature. Served all through the war— in the 2nd Ohio and the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Owns 2,900 acres of land and for several years has been largely inter- ested in the cattle business. On July 4, 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Wade made the first cheese in the Keene factory. They own one of the 306 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. prettiest homes in Mission Creek township and enjoy it for the hest of reasons— they know how they earned it— by tireless industry and hard knocks on the farm. W. J. HINSHAW Was born in Clay county, Indiana, March 15, 1849. Came to Kan- sas in March, 1871, and was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Elliott, at Anadarko, Oklahoma, on April ]2, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Hinshaw have four living children: L. M., Fred I., Mary A., and Everett B. Hinshaw. Since 1874, Mr. Hinshaw has lived on the farm, three miles northwest of Harveyville, but during the time has varied the monotony of farm work by the equally arduous duties of the school room, belonging to that class of teachers whose services are always in demand by school boards having at heart the true interests of the children under their immediate supervision. M. P. EARLY Was born August 30, 1838, in Adams county, Ohio. Came to Kan- sas, March 2, 1883. On December 2, 1862, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Armstrong, at Cincinnati, Ohio, three children being born to this union: Mary M., Sarah V., and O. M. Early. Dur- ing the war served one year as a member of the 1st Missouri Cavalry and in the last year of the war in the 181st Ohio. Owns 230 acres of land near Harveyville and has been for a number of years one of the leading merchants of that progressive and up-to-date town— his suc- cess in a new field of labor being the best proof of his zeal in providing for the needs of his patrons. MR. J. W. MOSSMAN (Dec'd) Was born January 5, 1809, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Came to Kansas in 1857, settling on the claim he pre-empted and on which he lived until his death, on March 12, 1891. On September 9, 1845, the subject of this notice was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Wood- ford, five children being born to this union: L. J., R. G., LoisC, S. L., and Zada A. Mossman. Mrs. Mossman was born December 28, 1814, and died January 30, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Mossman were well mated, in that they were alike generous and warm hearted; kind and considerate as to the rights and opinions of others, and ever willing to look on the bright side of life rather than render unpleasant their own surroundings or those of their friends with whom they daily came in contact. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 307 EMERSON S. SHOECRAFT Was bora March 17, 1873, at St. Joseph, Missouri. Came to Kan- sas in 1881. Was educated at Phillipsburg, Kansas, being a graduate of the high school at that place. Is bookkeeper and cashier at Trus- ler's department store in Eskridge, an employment where a person's ability and efficiency is daily put to the severest tests. That he has not been found wanting in any of the requisites essential to a further continuance in the esteem of his employer is evident to any one acquainted with Mr. Truster's qualifications as a business manager. Mr. Shoecraft is fortunate in the possession of those qualifications that, years ago, directed him in the right path leading onward to success. JOHN N. BARLOW Was born January 10, 1840, in Clinton county, Ohio. Came to Kansas February 13, 1869, locating near Harveyville, where he has ever since resided. On December 25, 1862, was united in marriage, in Warren county, Ohio, to Miss Emiline Murrell, to which union two sons were born: Charles W. and Ennis N. Barlow. Mr. Barlow owns one of the best farms in Wabaunsee county and during his thirty- three years residence here has proven by his works what industry and persevering energy can accomplish on the rich, agricultural lands of the land of sunflowers and wind, drouth and grasshoppers. Mr. Bar- low is one of Wabaunsee county's substantial citizens and universally esteemed. GUY C. BEALS Was born June 24, 1858, in Ottawa county, Michigan. Came to Kansas in 1893, locating at Alma, where he, with his family, has since resided. On September 4, 1888, was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia West, three children being born to this union: Florence, Gertrude, and Guy Carleten. Dr. Beals is a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York City, and has taken what is equivalent to a postgraduate course by unremitting study and a determination to keep abreast of the times. In 1895, Dr. Beals was elected to the position of county coroner and for several years was county physician and health officer, a position he now holds and the duties of which he is eminently qualified to perform. 308 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN; GEORGE L. HORTON Was bom in Ripley county, Indiana, July 17, 1842. Came to Kan- sas in November, 1868, and in March, 1875, was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Jeffries, two children being born to this union: Piatt and Emma Horton. Mr. Horton owns a fine farm of 240 acres, two miles north of Harveyville, where he has continuously resided since first coming to Kansas. Was three years in the army and is com- mander of the G. A. R. Post at Harveyville. With an interesting family, a pleasant home and the esteem of all Mr. Horton has no reason to complain of , Fortune's favors in the past nor cause for anxiety as to what the future may bring forth. MR. CONRAD HESSE (Dec'd) Was born in Prussia, Germany, October 20, 1828. From 1847 to 1849, was in the Prussian Army— the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the Wienen Guards (4th Squadron, Berlin). Came to America in 1849, locating for a short time at New Orleans, but later, went to Minne- sota, then to Iowa, and in. 1878, to Kansas, locating on the farm where he lived until his death, February 20, 1898. Was married to Miss Dora Daring, one child, now Mrs: Louisa Kallenbach, of Iowa, being born to this union. His first wife dying after one and one-half years, Mr. Hesse was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Meinhardt, of Daven- port, Iowa, ten children blessing this union: Philip, now of Adell, Oklahoma, Lawrence, Nicholas, John, Adam, Frank, Mrs. Matilda Pan tier, now of Evansville, Illinois, Joseph, Bernard, and Mary. Mr. Hesse was a tailor by trade but after coming to Kansas devoted his efforts to stock and small grain. Was a successful farmer and a most estimable citizen, leaving to the world an excellent family of sons and daughters. (See full page illustration). ANDREW MEARS Was born in Scotland, September 24, 1820. Mary Jane McMaster was born in England, July 1, 1829. Were married May 15, 1849, coming to America the same year, locating at Vinegar Hill, Illinois. Came to Kansas; in 1870, locating on what is known as the Miss Agnes Young farm, three and one-half miles east of Eskridge. Fenced forty acres of that farm in 1871, with a sod fence — perhaps the largest tract of land ever enclosed by a sod fence in Wabaunsee county. Today, not a trace of that fence can be seen, being entirely crumbled and worn away. Afterwards located four miles south of Eskridge, on what is 1 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 309 known as the Mears farm, making them a pleasant home. To Mr. and Mrs. Mears were born six sons and two daughters: Jesse, Hannah, Lizzie, William, James, John, Oscar, and Walter. Children and parents all living. MR, JAMES L. THOMSON (Dec'd) Was born in Clarke county, Kentucky, June 26, 1813. In 1837, was united in marriage to Miss Susan Davis, to which union four sons were born: Haynie, Davis, Matt, and Henry. Moved to Lincoln county, Tennessee, in 1842, and in 1857, to Wabaunsee county. Be- longed to a family of drovers, supplying the Southern markets with hogs and mules, all of which were driven overland, requiring several months to make a trip. After his removal to Tennessee was largely engaged in farming, saw-milling and the mercantile business, until 1853, wben his fortune was wrecked by a tornado that literally de- stroyed Fayetteville, the county seat. After stemming the tide for three years came to Kansas, in 1856, locating the claim now known as the Herbert Shaw farm, on Dragoon creek. On August 6, 1857, occurred the first death in the Dragoon settlement, the mother of the writer being stricken down with malarial fever. On July 20, 1859, the subject of this sketch was again united in marriage to Miss Jane Washburn, of Norris' creek, Tennessee. In 1859, 1860, and 1861, was agent for the Santa Fe Mail company, having charge of the station at Elm creek. On February 4, 1882, death called the spirit home — after a pilgrimage here of 68 years, 7 months, and 8 days. Deceased was a man with whom kindness was a characteristic trait. He was a liberal contributor to public enterprises and charitable objects, among other contributions was one of $500 to Lincoln College, at Fayetteville, of which city he was several terms mayor. It was his nature to be liberal, a statement that could be amply corroborated by many of the later settlers on the Upper Dragoon, who gladly recognized in more than one of the old pioneers a friend in the hour of need. Note. The portrait was taken from a Daguerreotype. MR. MICHAEL SWEENEY (Dec'd) Was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1819, coming to America in his youth, living in Wisconsin until October, 1874, when he came to Kansas, locating in Kaw township. Was united in marrriage to Miss Bridget Moye, to which union were born seven children, four sons and three daughters: Mary, Mrs. Ellen Finney, Mrs. Margaret Lynn, Martin, James, Michael, and Thomas. There were but few settlers 310 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. on the reserve lands when Mr. Sweeney first opened up a farm in the Kaw bottoms, three miles southwest of St. Marys, but 27 years wrought many changes and found him the possessor of one of the largest farms in the county. On July 25, 1901, Mr. Sweeney died at his home in the Kaw Valley. He was a man of a strong will and a warm heart. Was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy, forgive a wrong, and to forget an injury. S. D. SHAW Was born January 12, 1850, in Warren county, Indiana. Came to Kansas in 1868. Received the benefits of excellent educational train- ing in the schools of Indiana. Mr. Shaw owns 240 acres of good farm land and has attained a measure of success proportionate to well directed effort by one who thoroughly understands his business. Has an interesting family, a pleasant home, and such surroundings as bring happiness and contentment. S. M. HARRIS Was born August 11, 1858, on the farm where he has ever since made his home. On June 14, 1881, was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Thackery, nine children being born to this union: May, Maud, Frank, Lynn, Carrie, Richard I., Vida, Verda, and Zora. Though an old settler himself, still living under the same roof is bis mother, one of the very first pioneers of the Dragoon settlement, Mr. Harris, Sr., who died but a few years ago, was twice elected to the office of county superintendent of schools and once appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. E. R. Twitchell. Mr. Harris, the subject of this notice, is a poet of more than local fame, his poems partaking of the Whitcomb Riley type, many productions of his pen rivaling the best efforts of his Hoosier contemporary. But one glance at that interesting family group answers the query as to why Mr. Harris prefers a quiet, contented life on the old homestead even though accused of hiding his light under a bushel. H. C. SHAW Was born February 22d, 1849, in England. Came to America in in 1854 and to Kansas in 1872. With his father established the first woolen mill in Wabaunsee county, on Mission creek. On August 27, 1879, was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Chrisp, eleven children EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 311 being born to this union: Ella, Frederick E., Sarah, Charley, Ida, Etta, Bertha, Phoebie, Sebie, Herbert O, Jr., and Esther. Mr. Shaw owns 160 acres, the James L. Thomson farm, a fine place with excellent improvements, among which is a beautiful park, always open for use by picnic parties, or others wishing to enjoy the cool, shady grove, or a ride in the "Santa Maria," built on the Dragoon in 1895 Mr. Shaw is an expert machinist and for several years was proprieto and manager of the Burlingame woolen mill and later, on the farm, supplied the stores of Eskridge and other towns with many articles of apparel made at his factory on the old homestead where he now resides. FRANK RICKERSHAUSER Was born at Neustadt, Hesse Cassel, Germany, March 9, 1833. Came to America in 1852, locating at Connersville, Indiana. Came to Kansas in the fall of 1856, locating a claim on the head of the Waka- rusa, removing to Wabaunsee county, near Halifax, in 1868, but in 1875 bought the farm near Paxico, on which he has since resided. Owns 4,000 acres of fine farming and grazing land stocked with nearly seven hundred head of cattle. Has always farmed on a large scale, as is indicated by our illustration, which presents to view one of the finest stock and grain ranches in Wabaunsee county — the result of hard labor and good management on the part of one of our leading citizens — one who has always been foremost in the advancement of any public enterprise, and ever just as ready to lend a helping hand to those, who, in the battle of life, have been less fortunate. A single example of Mr. Rickershauser's generous and sympathetic nature will emphasize the statement. In 1873, when the news came to Mr. Rickershauser that Judge Hall's fine residence and nearly all his per- sonal property had been destroyed by a prairie fire, Mr. Rickershauser loaded up his big farm wagon, with double sideboards, with corn, hauled it to Wabaunsee, and dumped the contents into Mr. Hall's crib. No solicitation was needed. It was but the spontaneous act of one of Nature's noblemen. When the Alma Salt Works needed a man to push business to the front, Mr. Rickershauser took charge in person and with crude appliances made fifty barrels of the finest salt per day. Acres of cord wood were piled about the works, giving a large number of men employment. Mr. Rickershauser has led an active life. Hard work has been the rule of his life and though at this writing his health is impaired it is hoped that for many years he may yet enjoy the fruits of industry and well directed effort. He has not only seen the wilderness blossom as the rose but he has rendered valued assistance in bringing about the miraculous changes that have been wrought. 312 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 0. E. WEBB Was born December 2, 1866, in Jefferson county, Iowa. Came to Kansas with his parents in 1873, locating in Pawnee county. Was a farmer boy for years and knows what hard work is and thoroughly understands the practical side of life— his knowledge being gained by experience in starvation times and the grasshopper raids in the short grass country. Is a graduate of Central Business College, of Sedalia, Missouri. Also graduated in a special science course at the C. N. O, Great Bend, Kansas. After teaching eight years in the county and city schools of Pawnee county, Kansas, entered upon the study of medicine, being a graduate of the Beaumont Hospital Medical Col- lege, of St. Louis, Missouri, class of 1896. Located at Paxicoin March, 1895, and by strict application to business, by constant study, and his own natural ability has built up a lucrative practice, attaining a phenomenal degree of success in his chosen profession. In May, 1896, Dr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Esther C. Willms, of Ellinwood, Kansas, three children being born to this union: Charley, Florence, and Fleta. Dr. Webb is one among the first of our profes- sional men to make a practical application of a system of telephones in his business. In 1898, he constructed his first line to McFar- land. Since that time he has constructed lines to Keene, Dover, and Kuenzli creek. He uses the Bridging system and already has 65 phones in operation and the number is constantly increasing. He has 50 miles of wire and on the completion of the new stone building — the first in Paxico — he will have one of the best appointed offices in the county. A view of his pleasant home in Paxico is shown in the illustration, and the bundles of wires speak volumes in the Doctor's behalf— showing how forethought, energy, and up-to-date methods will bring success. REV. J. J. SILBERMANN Was born at Uman, Russia, December 25, 1854. Was educated at Basel, Switzerland, taking a theological course at the University located there, graduating in the class of 1880. Came to America the same year. In 1883, came to Kansas, locating at Eudora. Has been a resident of Alma since 1898. On January 23, 1883, was united in mar- riage to Frida Sonderegger, four children being born to this union: Olga, Anna, Oscar, and Esther. The Evangelical church, of which Mr. Silbermann is pastor, is one of the neatest church edifices in Alma. Was built in 1880, though the spire wasn't erected until 1888. The church has a membership of forty families and is in a flourishing condition— a fact due in a great measure to the personal efforts of their highly esteemed minister. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 312a ROBERT GUTH Was born April 28, 1837, in Baden, Germany. Came to America in 1847, landing at New Orleans. Lived nine years at Quincy, Illinois, going from there to Mankato, Minnesota. Is a harness maker by trade and during the Civil war was employed by the government at Vicksburg, Mississippi, from 1863 to 1865. On July 23, 1857, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Magdaline Hund, to which union ten children were born, seven living: Moritz and William, of Hutchinson, Kansas; Mrs. Ottilia Muckenthaler, August, Mary, Leo, and Henry. Mr. Guth came to Newbury in 1873, kept boarding house awhile, and worked at his trade. Was postmaster and ran a general store until 1895. Has retired from business and is comfortably located at his old home in Newbury. W. H. H. SMITH Was born April 6, 1858, at Jerseyville, Illinois. Came to Kansas in 1890. Received a good classical education at Valparaiso, Indiana. Took the full medical course at the North Western Medical College, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and a post graduate course at the Missouri Medical College, at St. Louis, Missouri. On February 22, 1882, was united in marriage to Miss Maria Rhodes, of Ethingham, Illinois, four children being born to this union: Grover Eugene, August Herman, Dewey, and Willie H. Dr. Smith has been for six years a resident of Wabaunsee county and during that time has demonstrated his ability as a physician, and the number of difficult surgical oper- ations performed by him attest a thorough and intricate knowledge of every detail of his chosen profession. ROBERT STROWIG Was born July 13, 1853, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Came to Kansas with his parents when five years of age. Received a good education at the Banner school, one of the best in Jackson county. On January 1, 1879, was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Riederer, to which union four children were born: Otto, Mabel, Milton, and Homer. Was six years county commissioner — from January, 1896, to January, 1902. Besides being a popular official, Mr. Strowig is one of the best millers in the state, the mill being located on Mill creek, near Paxico. The mill was built in 1879 and has a capacity of 75 barrels of flour and 50 barrels of meal per day. Has five double stands of 9x15 rolls on wheat, one, three high on corn. Has one sifter, two purifiers, two 312& EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. centrifugal rolls, smutter and separators. Is one of the best mills in Kansas and is operated and owned by Strowig & Son. Mr. Strowig bought his land of an Indian, and for several years after the mill was built the last remnant of the Prairie band of Pottawatomies in Wa- baunsee county lived in two wigwams within two hundred yards of Mr. Strowig's fine residence near the mill. JOSEPH MUCKENTHALER Was born in Scott county, Minnesota, May 13, 1868. Came with his parents to Wabaunsee county the following year. On September 8, 1891, was united in marriage to Miss Ottilia Guth, to which union were born five children: Louis, Eleanor, Clements, Joseph, and Paul. Owns the old family homestead north of Newbury and that he is making a success of farming is indicated by the many improvements being made on the farm, among others, the best and most convenient swine shed in the county. For many years has been leader of the Newbury band and is one of the best cornet players in Kansas. ED. L. CAMPBELL Was born December 28, 1858, in Rushville, Illinois. Was educated in the Rushville schools and came to Kansas in 1881. On September 18, 1887, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sage, of Dover, Kansas, to which union three children were born: Lyle, Charlie, and Clyde. Mr. Campbell was postmaster at Eskridge four years but is at present engaged in farming, owning a good farm of 160 acres on Mission creek. Ed. is one of the world's good fellows, was popular as a postmaster and is making a success of life on the farm. THOMAS OLIVER Was born in Denholm, Roxburgshire, Scotland, April 28, 1859. Came from Edinburg to Old Maple Hill, October, 1884. When the new town was laid out in 1887, Mr. Oliver, who already lived on the new site, moved his wagon shop into the new town and assisted in erecting the first building, Mr. J. N. Dolley's general store, and built the first dwelling house — a five room, two story structure. He still operates the only wagon shop and has erected a majority of the build- ings in what is one of the neatest towns in the county, of which Mr. Oliver is an esteemed citizen. Isabella Maple Hill Oliver was born September 19, 1887— the first child born in the new town and the first child baptized in the new M. E. church. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 313 flr GoUrt ReminisGenGe. The following interesting reminiscence of the courts in the years agone is from the pen of Hon. A. H. Case, of Topeka. Mr. Case was our first district attorney, when Wabaunsee county (or Richardson county then) was one of the 13 counties comprising the 3d judicial district— taking in Pike's Peak and a good share of the Rocky Mountains. Under the act of the legislature of 1860, 29 counties were included in the 2d judicial district, in which Wabaunsee was one of them, Rush Elmore, judge. At that time Arrapahoe was in the 1st district and county attorneys were in vogue. In 1861 Wabaunsee was placed in the 3d judicial district with Shawnee, and all west of Davis county was supposed to be attached to this district for judicial purposes. At the fall election in 1861 Jacob Safford was elected judge of this district, he being the first judge under the state constitution, and I was elected at the same time as district attorney. The judge's salary was sure, but the district attorney took his pay in county scrip, worth about 20 cents on the dollar. The highest fee was in murder cases, $25, but we had no such cases, as no attention was paid to accidents of that character. Our whole time was occupied in stock stealing cases and the old dram shop law. To convict for the larceny of stock, pos- session by the defendant was sure conviction unless he could prove that he was not in the United States at the time. Under the dram shop act, the grand jury, on proof, would find a bill, the case would be continued, and the next term the defendant, by his learned counsel, would produce a license, antedated of course, showing, under the honest seal of the officials, that he was authorized by law to keep shop. We had no railroads so we migrated from court to court by stage, horseback, on foot, and wagon. The stage charged us jn cents a mile, provided we carried a rail to help out of a mud hole. When we went from Topeka by horse or in wagon we left in the afternoon, went to the Walterman crossing at Mill creek, tied up, ate cold lunch, washed it down with red eye, slept the sleep of the just and in the morning drove or rode to Manhattan for breakfast, thence on to Junction City, our western terminus, where we stopped with Jim Brown, at the Old Eagle Hotel, at $4 per day for bacon and coffee, and in the goodness of his heart Jim would place our buffalo robes on the 314 EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. floor for a bed, crowd in an outsider and charge him a dollar for its use. Lawyers' fees, in those days, were exceedingly small. If we got enough to buy grub and the wash down and not leave the town in debt, we were satisfied. After Judge Elmore went off the bench he traveled with us, the jolliest and best of men. His heart was in his hand and, unless out late, he had imported stuff in his saddle bags. I remember we were at Junction City with him and all broke. Luckily, the grand jury found somebody guilty of something and employed Elmore. Two yoke of oxen for fee. Well, we camped in the "Flag-of- our-Union-saloon" on the amount realized from the sale of those steers. So that steers, as is well known, are good to eat as well as drink. Another time we were at Junction City, broke, as usual. What to do? This was after I was out of office and a private. We concluded we would have a mock court, arrest somebody when the judge was snug in bed, try him, convict him, fine him ten dollars, get it and let him go. With this bountiful ten dollars we managed to allay thirst for the -next thirty hours. We were young then, no one intended to do harm; it was life in the wooly west and we made the best of it as we saw it. Many things could be said, but no history will ever be written that can or will tell ail that occurred. A good many things best be not told as some are living yet that enacted a part in those early days. I want to give your county credit for one thing and that is, the scrip issued by it for officers' fees became par and was paid in full the first of any county in the state, while Shawnee scrip at that time was worth only forty cents. The Arlma Salt WorKs, 1874. The News, of February 12, 1873, speaking of the Alma oil well said that it was yielding over one hundred barrels per day of oil and water. As Fred Link had poured but a pint of oil in the well he was digging at the Winkler hotel there is no risk in stating that it was mostly water. But what was intended as a hoax resulted in the organization of the Alma Oil & Mining Company. A hole was drilled 585 feet in depth and a flow of strong brine reached. Analysis of this brine showed fifty pounds of salt to fifty-three and one-half gallons of water. The result was the Alma Salt Works. John Gibson went East and purchased a number of large kettles; two evaporating vats 16x112 feet were constructed; a brick smoke stack sixty feet in height was built and from thirty to fifty barrels of pure, white salt was the daily output. But mismanagement or an undue interest in outside matters resulted in closing down the plant. It was afterwards leased to S. T. Wright, but the lack of funds prevented the proper development of an industry that may yet prove a bonanza at some time in the near future. That the brine is sufficient in quantity and strength to justify a judicious investment seems apparent. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 315 Historical Notes. Prior to 1833 the country now known as Wabaunsee county be- longed to the Kaw or Kansas Indians. In that year Rev. Isaac McCoy, a missionary having charge of the location of the different Indian tribes, assisted by his son, John McCoy, surveyed a strip 120 miles in length from east to west, and 19 miles in width from north to south, for an outlet for the Shawnee Indians from their reservation to the Buffalo country. This was known as the Shawnee Purchase. Three years later the north line of the Kaw reserve was located. By a treaty with the Kaws, January 14, 1846, the Pottawatomies were granted a tract of land 30 miles square, comprising a part of the counties of Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie, Jackson and Shawnee. In 1847 the "Pottawatomies of the Woods." and the "Mission Band," about 1,500 in numbers, located in this tract. In 1850 a band of Michigan Pottawatomies numbering about 650 joined the tribe at St. Marys. November 15, 1861, a treaty was made by which the Mission band was allotted lands in severalty, while the Prairie band elected to con- tinue tribal relations. William W. Ross, a brother of Charles Ross, was Indian agent at that time and the treaty was made at Rossville. On the part of the Indians the treaty was signed by Shaw-que, To- Penubbee, We-Weh-Seh, Shomen, Joseph N. Bourassa, George L. Young, B. H. Bertrand, M. B. Beaubien, L. H. Ogee, John Tipton and Louis Vieux— all well known to the early settlers of Wabaunsee county. This treaty provided for the sale of all lands not chosen for allot- ments to the Santa Fe Railroad Company. The Mission band removed to the Indian Territory in 1870, and the Prairie band, 780 strong, was Kiven a body of land twelve miles square in Jackson county, on which they now live. At this treaty a half section of land was reserved for the Baptist Mission, located near Uniontown, adjoining the farm of Mr. M. W. Janes, opposite the old Darling ferry. This mission was in operation until 1859. In 1847, St. Marys Mission was moved from Sugar creek to the south side of Kaw River but the year following was transferred to its present location on the north side. 316 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. When Richardson county was set off and given a name by the Territorial legislature of 1855, the width of the county from East to West was but 24 miles. The legislature of 1859 changed the name to Wabaunsee county and in 1860, through the efforts of Mr. C. B. Lines, our representative, a strip six miles in width was added to the west side of the county. In 1864, 72 square miles of territory were taken from the southwest corner of Wabaunsee county and attached to Morris county. This territory was recovered by Captain Wm. Mitchell in 1868, but the fol- lowing year was returned to Morris county and in 1870 was divided between the two counties. In 1871, John Pinkerton betrayed his trust by having himself set over into Riley county, taking a strip six miles wide and fifteen miles long from the west side. In 1872, Mr. J. M. Johnson introduced and caused to be passed by both branches of the legislature a bill recovering the lost territory but by some hocus- pocus the bill failed to become a law, but the following year Represen- tative Sellers succeeded in recovering six miles of this territory. No changes have been made since. The first white men in the county built a log house in the heavy timber on Dragoon creek about the year 1844. But their purpose was highway robbery. This gang of cut-throats, if not the company raised by John McDaniel, on the frontier, to raid the Mexican trains, was one organized for the same purpose. Captain Philip St. George Cooke was sent out from Fort Leavenworth on several different occasions to capture or disperse these hordes and how well he succeeded is attested by the records of the war department of that period. Captain Cooke's capture of the remnants of the dispersed bands led by Colonel War- field and Major Snively, near where Old Fort Atkinson was afterwards established furnishes indisputable evidence of his valor and efficiency as an annihilator of robber hordes. (See pages 141-145). The first actual settlements by homeseekers were in Wabaunsee and Wilmington townships, with the weight of evidence in favor of Wabaunsee. Mr. J. M. Bisbey, of Pavilion— see illustration— is prob- ably entitled to first place among the few living settlers of the olden time. He came to Wabaunsee in the fall of 1854. Closely following were Peter and Bartholomew Sharai, J. H. Nesbitt (the first store- keeper), D. B. Hyatt, Clark Lapham, Joshua Smith, and Rev. Leonard. Mr. Henry Harvey and his two sons, George and Samuel, selected their claims on the Dragoon in the fall of 1854, but not until May, 1855, did they make actual settlement. Milton Haywood built the first house on Rock creek in 1855, but the following year sold his claim to William Exon. Ed. Krapp, Joseph Thoes, and Peter Thoes arrived on their claims EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 317 four miles south of Alma, March 1, 1855, and in three weeks built three log houses, one for each of the newcomers. Fred Paienske, Terrass, and Hendricks came up the Missouri river on the same boat, arriving May 8th. Mr. Mauzenbrinck and wife settled on the claim afterwards owned by C. Wertzberger. On a trip to Kansas City to buy goods to start a country store Mr. Mauzenbrinck was drowned in the Missouri river. Herman Dierker, a returned California miner, married the widow, and his place was known as Alma— West Precinct. Mr. Dierker was for several years cook in the gold camps of the Pacific coast, receiving ten dollars a day for his services. He uf terwards sold the farm to Mr. 0, Wertzberger and bought a farm near Alma. A few years ago left for Ohio and when he left surprised a few of his intimate friends by inviting them into his smoke house. With the assistance of his invited friends he soon dug up a pot of gold containing, according to diverse statements, a sum ranging from $20,000 to $70,000. It may be unnecessary to state that none of the gold is there now, but our peddler, Scheminski, feels proud of the fact that many a time he has thrown his bundle of hides on the ground where that gold for nearly half a century lay hidden. In May, 1855, came Ernest Honeke, a surveyor and one of three representatives in the state legislature of 1860. Mr. Honeke was one of a colony from Cincinnati and laid out what was probably the first town-site in the county. It was located on the hill just south of the Paienske homestead and was called Humboldt City. Honeke, besides being among our first representatives in the legislature was one of the first proprietors of a still. William Griffen- stein was his partner in the business. The capacity of the still was five gallons a day and the Indians were their best customers. The Indians would patiently wait until, drop by drop, their bottle was filled and then got over on their own side of the reservation. (For further notes as to Griffenstein see pages 136-138). The first building erected at Fort Riley was in 1854, by Major Ogden. For the protection of overland traffic across the plains Fort Atkinson, six miles above Dodge City, was built by Colonel Sumner in 1850. Kansas Territory was organized May 30, 1854. One of the first houses built in the Mill creek valley was of logs on the Christian Hankammer place, and was for many years used by Mr. Hankammer as a residence. Wooden pins instead of nails were used in constructing the house built by Gleich & Antoine in 1855 and torn down by Mike Boetcher in April, 1890. Before locating on Mill creek Mr. Gleich had worked at Darling's ferry, opposite Unioutown, ai8 EAELY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. near the east line of the farm owned by Mr. M. W. Janes. Mr. Gleich's marriage on April 16, 1857, to Mrs. Catherine Terrass, is the first on record in the county. Mr. Terrass had settled on the reservation near Mr. Peter Johnson's, and his death, in 1856, was probably the first in the county. The death of Mrs. Susan D. Thomson, wife of Mr. James L. Thom- son, and mother of the writer, was the first in Wilmington township. The date was August 6, 1857. Mr. J. M. Bisbey reports the winter of '55-'56 the coldest of his experience in Kansas. On a trip to Kansas City for provisions, was snowbound three days and could make but 10 to 35 miles a day. On his return found his family out of breadstuffs for three days but had plenty of frozen potatoes and beef. From December 22, to January 15 was intensely cold and on February 3 was 32 degrees below. On several days was 24 below, while the sun shone brightly. Mr. Fred Palenske bought his claim from a man named Gilbert, who was living on the place in a tent. He paid $20 for the claim, in- cluding tent, tools and provisions. Rev. Harvey Jones located at Wabaunsee in 1855. Organized the First Church of Christ, of which he was the first pastor till 1860, when he returned to Ohio. In 1864 went to southern Kansas and two years later returned to Wabaunsee. After Ed. Krapp located his claim he hauled goods from Westport Landing to "Whiskey -Point," a small town opposite Fort Riley. Left the Old Santa Fe Trail at 110 creek and followed the old Mormon trail over tne divide between the waters of Mill creek and Rock creek. Be- tween the Big Spring near Eskridge and Moss Springs in Geary county, a distance of 28 miles, there was no water to be had except that hauled in kegs. Fifty or more freighters would be met on the road every day, and he would often have several thousand dollars in gold in a keg or box in the wagon to buy goods or for deposit. Was badly frozen in a blizzard on one of these trips in 1856 while encamped on the head of the Wakarusa. Richardson county was named by the legislature of 1855 in honor of Wm. A. Richardson, congressman from Illinois, who introduced the first Kansas-Nebraska bill in the house of representatives. The present name, Wabaunsee, was in honor of an Indian chief. The word means, in English, "dawn of day." The Connecticut colony, or tbe Beecher Rifle colony, left New Haven, Conn., March 31, 1856, and' arrived at Wabaunsee April 28. Capt. C. B. Lines was chosen president of the company. The com- pany built a town hall and a mill and a church — the latter being a part of the residence of Mr. A. J. Bowman. The following members of the Connecticut colony remained over three months: C. B. Lines, EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 319 W. Hartley, Jr., J. D. Farren, Geo. H. Coe, F. H. Hart, S. M. Thomas, L. H. Root, J. M. Hubbard, Jr., Wm. Mitchell, Jr., O. Bardwell, Rollin Moses, A. A. Cottrell, H. S. Hall, S. A. Baldwin, Benjamin Street, J. J. Walter, T. C. P. Hyde, E. C. D. Lines, E. D. Street, Tim- othy Read, H. M. Selden, George Wells, W. S. Griswold, Isaac Fenn, J. P. Root, J. F. Willard, H. D. Rice, H. Isbell, D. F. Scranton, E. J. Lines. F. W. Ingham, L. A. Parker, E. N. Penfleld, R. W. Griswold, G. H. Thomas, M. C. Welch, B. C. Porter, F. Johnson, C. E. Pond, L. W. Clark, and W. G. McNary. In the fall of 1856, Messrs. S. H. Fair- field, S. R. Weed, J. E., L. H., and Enoch Piatt came from Mend^n, Illinois, and joined the settlers at Wabaunsee. So closely identified with the early settlement of the township as to be usually considered as part of the original colony. Of the original Beecher colony but four now reside in the county: Messrs. A. A. Cottrell, S. A. Baldwin, Captain Wm. Mitchell, and J. F. Willard. But quite a number of the descendants of the New Haven colony still reside at Wabaunsee— on the homestead selected by their parents in 1856. Others, though now residents of otber states, still regard Wabaunsee as the dearest spot on earth, by reason of the many hallowed associations connected with the early settlement of the town. The first railroad in Wabaunsee county was of the underground pattern, with stations at Wabaunsee and Harveyville — a fact not generally known until the road went into liquidation by reason of a lack of patronage. Among the early settlers of Mission creek township, coming to the county in 1856, were: S. F. Ross, Captain Henry, Wm. P. Hill, Mr. Mason, William Collins, a brotber and three sisters, Mrs. Drummond, Dr. James Fletcher, C. C. Brooks, J. N. Winslow, W. K. Beach, and Dr. S. E. Beach. Dr. Beach was surgeon of the 8th Kansas. Was captured at Chickamauga, and died at Nashville soon after being exchanged. Of the Ross family, E. G. Ross was U. S. Senator, W. W. Ross was agent of the Pottawatomies and Charles Ross was, for eight years, county treasurer. In 1857, the Mission creek settlement received several additions. Among these were: J. W. Mossman, John Shadd, George Johnston, S. W. Higbee, C. A. Sexton, H. J. Loomis, D. M. Johnston, A. S. Waters and brother, R. P. Miller, Sylvester Moore, John, Fred, and Allen Doty, E. M. Hewens, and W. E. Little. July 4th was celebrated at Fremont City— three ladies being among the fifteen persons present. Boiled rice, milk, and mulberry pies were the luxuries provided for the occasion. In 1858, Martin and William Woodford, Anson Eddy, T. M. Allen, Wm. and Homer Hewins and their mother, Wm. and Harris Evving, 320 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. W. T. Berryman, Orson Frizzle and Asaph Frizzle, Thos. Barker, H. F. Drake, Abe and George Hartwell, settled on Mission creek. In the winter of 1856-57, the editor of the New York Sun gave $250 toward building a school house at Wabaunsee. A church (Con- gregational) costing $4,000 was built, also a school house, 26x36, two stories in height — school room below and hall above. Ma'am Sawin's boarding house at Wabaunsee is remembered by old timers of 1855 and 1857. There were four young scions of the Sawin household, who, in the summer season, were subjected to weekly dousings in the raging Kaw. A rope about their bodies saved them from drowning during the cleansing process. Pancakes were daily served and even the house cat relished them— a fact evidenced by an exclamation of mine hostess: "Scat! This is the third time I have caught you in the batter." But the patrons becoming too exacting Ma'am Sawin moved to parts unknown. In the summer of 1858, the Zeandale and Wabaunsee neighbor- hoods were aroused by the report that a child was lost— a little tot of two years belonging to the Meacham family, living on Deep creek. Hundreds of searchers failed to solve the mystery. But months after- wards the bleaching bones of an infant told the heartrending story of the little one that strayed from home while the mother was busy with the cares of the household. Gr. Zwanziger built a gristmill in Alma in 1858, and Christian Hankammer began the construction of a sawmill three miles above on Mill creek. Both were badly damaged by the big flood of June 28th. In the gristmill there was but one small pair of burrs, run by an old fashioned wooden wheel of the "Undershot" pattern. By getting an early start eight bushels a day could be ground. There was no roof over the mill until 1860, and then there was no water in sight above the dam. Occasionally, water could be found in the deep holes but they were few and long distances apart. Settlers going to Kansas City for bacon or to Atchison for some of "Pomeroy's beans" camped in the dry bed of Mill creek at the Rocky Ford crossing, though there was plenty of water for stock in Dry creek near its mouth. The mill was sold to L. Pauly in 1862. Patrick and Ezekial Dix, and Elisha Edwards settled on Rock creek in 1858. David Tyler built a house on the Wm. Brewer place, and Martin Tyler built a house on the Pardee place. During the Pike's Peak excitement in 1859 the steamer Gus Linn advertised to go within 150 miles of Pike's Peak. The steamer drew 23 inches forward and 18, aft. Left Kansas City May 10, with 140 tons of freight, three-fourths of which was for Manhattan and Fort Riley. May 15, reached St. Marys Mission— a place of 4,000 Indians, half- breeds and whites. On the 16th reached Wabaunsee, town containing EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY,KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. JOSEPH HUCKENTHALER, Paxico. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. H. MICHAELIS, near Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. AUGUST UTERMANN, Alma. RESIDENCE OF MR. S. D. SHAW, Plumb Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. GDS THIERER, near Volland. RESIDENCE OF MR. WM. DIEBALL, four miles southwest of Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. M. W. JANES, near Willard. MR. M. W. JANES'S BARN, near Willard. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ALMA- LOOKING WEST FROM THE SANTA FE DEPOT. RESIDENCE OF MR. G. W. GILLIS, MISSION CREEK. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. A. F. WADE, Mission Creek. RESIDENCE OF MR. J. N. BARLOW, Dear Harveyville. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. WM. MASS, Spring Creek. RESIDENCE OF MR. HENRY GRIMM, West Branch. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. HERMAN ARNDT, Templiu. RESIDENCE OF MR. D. F. CLAYTON. Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. OLD HOME OF MR. ANDREW MEIRS, near Eskridge. RESIDENCE OF MR. G. G. CORNELL. Alma. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. _- ■ -i (WHi;,-r ! 't. i '-|(j(iJ|j'iii ** r . <4- /""-'•'•• -, ^*l* r.^^^iv'. RESIDENCE OF MR. A. R. STROWIG, Paxico. RESIDENCE OF MR. FRED ZEFFERJAHN, Paxico. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 321 one store and fifteen houses, and the prospective terminus of an important railroad. This boat carried the material for the first paper published at Manhattan. Between Lawrence and Topeka a girl baby- was born to a Mrs. Kelly, on her way to join her husband at Manhat- tan. T!ie baby was named after the boat— Gus Linn. There were six boats besides the Gus Linn, navigating the Kaw at that time: War Eagle, Excel, Silver Lake, Coloma, Star of the West, and Kate Sweeney. The Wyandotte Constitution was adopted July 29, 1859. Ratified October 4, 1859. Act of Admission approved January 29, 1861. Until 1860, Wabaunsee county was attached to Geary county for judicial purposes. A bill of $761.62 was presented to the board of commis- sioners for court expenses. The office of district attorney was created on June 4, 1861, and abolished, January 1, 1862, and again created February 12, 1864. June 18, 1861, Alma township was divided into two voting precincts; the place of holding the elections in the East precinct to be at the house of Peter Thoes, and that for the West precinct at the house of Her- man Dierker (C. Wertzberger's). March 3, 1863, the county commissioners voted to pay the costs of an inquest on the bodies of Gilliland and Menser, before Squire Haynes, acting coroner. These men were horse dealers of unsavory reputation, who had been overhauled by the sheriff of Shawnee county, at Zeandale. All that was given out at the inquest for the information of the general public was that they had come to their death at the hands of parties unknown. On September 1, 1863, Capt. E. C. D. Lines was killed on the skir- mish line near Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the summer of 1863, 1,400 Kickapoo warriors encamped near the spring, on the present site of Mr. William Home's orchard, in Washington township, on their way to fight the Cheyennes. In three or four weeks they returned — camping three or four days at the spring. They were short on ponies and long on wounded and sick Indians— none of them having much to say and they held no scalp dances. The Cheyennes were attending to that part of the program. But the Kickapoos buried several Indians near the spring and on several occa- sions since that time, in plowing, William has turned up such grue- some relics as skulls and other parts of bodies that were buried too near the top of the'ground in 1863. In October, 1864, Governor Carney issued a proclamation requiring all able-bodied male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 to attach themselves to some regiment of troops, each man to bring two blank- ets, a tin cup, knife and fork, and haversack; a coffee pot and frying pan to every five men; each detachment to furnish its own rations and 322 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. transportation. The company from the East branch of Mill creek was commanded by Capt. Ed. Krapp; 1st Lieut. Wm. Drebing, and 2d Lieut. Jos. Treu. The West branch contingent was commanded by 1st Lieut. Chas. Weber, and 2d Lieut. Wm. Home. All went to Topeka to guard the place while the militia from there went to the front. The militia dug a trench four feet deep around the town, erected a stockade 40 ft. square in the center. The report came that Price had taken Lawrence and was marching to Topeka. Then the props that supported the bridge over the Shunganunga were knocked out that the invaders might be drowned in the mud. Orders were given to march to the bridge at 3 a. m. Some made their wills before retiring but the cook was up early, saying the boys should have a cup of coffee before they died, and they did. They all came home in the morning. In 1864, J. W. Mossman was captain of the militia from Mission creek and S. P. Wample and T. K. Tomson, lieutenants. At the April session of the board of commissioners the Pottawa- tomie reserve was attached to the several townships of Alma, Wa- baunsee, and Mission creek, and that part attached to Mission creek organized into a precinct to be called Maple Hill, elections to be held at the house of R. H. Waterman. Henry Schutter, a brother of Joseph and Barney Schutter, was killed at Cottonwood Holes by the Kiowas, in the summer of 1864. This and other Indian news* alarming the settlers, a meeting was held at Wm. Krieg's, on West branch, to take steps for protection. The following named settlers were at this meeting: G. Zwanziger, August Brasche, CarlFalk, Rudolph Arndt, Fetting, Secrest, Volland, Wm. Home, Lehmberg, Thowes, and Muehlenbachers. At this meet- ing it was resolved to build a fort. Zwanziger wanted to build the fort at Alma, but others favored a point near Dr. Brasche's as being more central. Wm. Home wasn't in favor of building a fort. Pre- ferred to go to Manhattan, where there were plenty of stone houses and where there was plenty of water. The diversity of opinion resulted in the meeting breaking up— not exactly in a row, but not a few were warmed up over the discussion about building the fort. The final outcome was the building of the fort at Templin. (See page 113). In 1866, the first house was built in Alma. (See pages 74-75). But not until 1868 was the first village council organized. Sam Weed was chairman, and August Meyer, Henry Schmitz, John Winkler, and Herman Dierker, the other members. S. R. Weed acted also as police *Charlie Lehmberg, Jr., was herding cattle on the ridge southwest of the Schuch place. One of the neighbors seeing the cattle took them for Indians. The neighboorhood was aroused and not until the fort was built was the fear from Indian raids dispelled. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 323 judge, and N. H. Whittemore, as attorney for the council. Alma was made a voting precinct April 3, 1867. At the January session a safe was voted for the county treasurer, the cost not to exceed $300. But the amount was increased in April. July 9, 1868, a new voting precinct was formed of the west part of Wilmington township to be called Rock creek. July 13, the body of an unknown man was found in the river at Wabaunsee. Items From the Press—and Other Sources. 1869. First newspaper published: The Heiald, by Sellers & Bertram. First number issued April 1st, 1869. At that time Alma contained four houses, besides a frame shanty used by F. C. Simon for a black- smith shop, and a log shanty where Winkler's hotel was built. The houses were the Kaufman building (the court house), Schmitz & Meyer's store, Winkler's Hotel, and Dierker's boarding house. From the Herald we learn: That Alma boasted of the largest school house in the county, with patent seats and capable of seating sixty persons. That R. M. Tunnell and S. R. Weed were appointed teachers' ex- aminers. That Bliss the photographer would be in Alma for a week. That Volney Love would auction sales. That the following postmasters were appointed on the new mail line to Burlingame: John Hess, Bismark; E. H. Sanford at Finn City (Upper Canada), and John Shaw at Harveyville. That Carl Braun opened the first barber shop in Alma in August. That the Sioux and Cheyennes killed seven men and took three women prisoners on the Saline River, 20 miles north of Ellsworth. That a ferry had been established at St. Marys in July. That on June 3d the Wamego ferry was reported in good condi- tion to transfer teams when the boat wasn't leaking or the wind didn't blow, or the water wasn't too high or too low, or it didn't freeze, snow, or rain, or you didn't call too early or too late, or the ferryman isn't up in town. At all other times you could cross. 324 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. * ! ? ^5- That the ferry boat at Manhattan was sunk in a gale in April, and that the editors of the Herald objected to the wind blowing on Wed- nesday's and preventing crossing on the ferry boat — thus depriving the editor of the news. The Herald of April 15th advised the people to cease paying a dol- lar a gallon for molasses and plant sorghum. With four cane mills running there should be no fears as to getting the cane made up. Among the incidents recorded in the Herald was one of a man who had poured oil into his ear to cure a bad case of sore throat. The Alma Debating society was organized August 11th— Henry Schmitz was elected Chairman, and N. H. Whittemore secretary. The first house in (the Old Town) Eskridge was built by Col. San- ford, Robt. Haslett and John Cousins doing the stone work. July 10th the Alma Concordia gave a dance in Adolph Zeckser's new house, the Alma String band being in attendance. In April a man from Lyon county brought a grist to Pauly's mill- having taken 335 pounds of wheat to a local mill and getting but 90 pounds of flour— and the sacks, concluded to make a change. He ap- peared well pleased at the result of his trip. We also learn that Dr. L. P. Weaver was appointed postmaster at Wabaunsee in place of G. G. Hall, resigned (on account of the moving of the county seat to Alma), and that John Winkler had found a good salt spring ten miles below Alma on the reserve. That a party of buffalo hunters passed through Alma, December 7. That District No. 4 had completed a new stone school house and that Mrs. G. W. Gillis would teach the school. That J. M. .lohnsonof Dragoon creek had called and reported 91 bushels of corn to the acre. Losses from prairie fires in all parts of the county reported and that Alma was saved only by the most stenuous exertions of the citi- zens under the leadership of G. Zwanziger— fighting the fire until 1 o'clock a. in. That Charlie Fields, a boy eleven years of age, with his little dog, while out in the woods on Dragoon creek, killed, with a spade, one of the largest wildcats ever seen in the county. 1870. Andreas Thowe celebrated the New Year by shooting a hole through the palm of his hand while handling a revolver. The following persons took claims in Rock creek township: John Hogue, Horace Paul, F. Hecke, M. K. Anderson, Ben Riggs, Wm, EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 325 Brewer, Charles Cross, W. G. Long, Creed Clement, W. H. Harrison, Henry Haas, and H. Slocumb. The Herald agitates the question of a daily mail for Alma. Mr. Pauly built a new residence near the mill; the Lutheran par- sonage was completed in March, and Father Remele raised $400 towards building a Catholic church. P. L. Woody 's arrival is reported in the items from "Jaketown," March 10th, and the same month Wm. M. Rinehart bought Charlie McCormick's claim, near Eskridge, for $300. On March 29th, Mr. Half-day was brought before Squire Lange, in Alma, and fined ten dollars for beating his mother-in-law, Mrs. Wa- wa-qua. The Pittsburg colony arrived in Alma May 11th. Messrs. Moore & Thomson, attorneys, inserted card in Herald. Mr. Thomson graduated from the Chicago University in 1867. (Judge Thomson was the "avant courier" of the firm. Renting an office, he went to Burlingame, and while there concluded to locate there instead of in Alma. Mr. Moore died in the East before his partner became settled in the new country). The Kaw reserve was opened to settlement this year, and Wm. Exon reports 30 families located in his school district (23). Newbury was settled by a colony of Ohioans in April. The town was laid out by Dan. Home, Bartling, Kellam, and Lakin, of Topeka, and Col. Phillips, of Wabaunsee county. The Santa Fe owned half interest in the town. In June, there were eleven houses in the town and two or three families in each house. There were two stores, one hotel, and a blacksmith shop. Goldstandt & Cohen, who had run the Winkler hotel one year, left June 1st for the new town. The Alma Cemetery was laid out in May. Sunday, January 16, was the most sudden change ever known in the country. 200 Arapahoes killed several settlers on Big creek, near Fort Hays, in February. John Bisbey's stable burned April 13th. Allen Phillips' hay and stables burned by prairie fire, Sunday, April 24th. May 24th, Mr. Ressler killed a large rattlesnake in Pauly's timber that had swallowed two rabbits and was trying to swallow another. Sheriff Ilerrick brought in a large badger from the Pottawatomie reserve. The Herald of April 7th said that II. D. Shepard would put in a large new store at Wilmington, and that Dr. Wilkerson had erected a new store building, and that Dr. Easter was preparing to build 326 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. another. Penfleld & Son, and James Cripps & Co. had opened stores, and Henry Burns, a blacksmith shop, and that J. and H. McPherson, builders, had all they could do. Sunday, June 4th, Abe Johnson, a young man working for I. H. Isbell was drowned while bathing in the Kaw river at Wabaunsee. Wilmington township was divided into three precincts in April: Dragoon, Elm creek and Rock creek. Postofflces established at Newbury and Grant, J. W. Mossman, postmaster, Grant, and P. H. Moser, Newbury. August 18th, Soza — Ne-Ma-Acan advertises for lost note for $100, November 1st, Seymore's house on Snokomo burned. Dr. L. P. Weaver, on a trip to Denver writes, October 12th, of seeing herds of buffalo from the car window and that they were very tame, one rolling over twice within 15 rods of the train. In item in the Herald from the Topeka Commonwealth, says of Wichita: "It is located at the junction of the Big and Little Arkan- sas rivers and will probably be the point where the A. T. & S. F. will cross the Arkansas. It has grown quite rapidly the past season and is a place of considerable trade. William Grifenstein, alias "Dutch Bill," a son-in-law of Chief Abram Burnett, of the Pottawatomies, called on us yesterday and reported progress of the town. He lias recently located there and is doing an extensive trade with settlers in that locality. There is a large amount of land in that vicinity open to pre-emption and there will be more when the treaty with the Osages is ratified. The military road to Fort Sill and Fort Arbuckle runs through the town. Mr. Grifenstein will start several teams loaded with goods for his store in a few days. Glad to hear of Mr. Grifenstein's success." 1871. January 11th, Cummings boys killed catamount between mouth of Hendricks creek and Pok-Tah's. March 25th, Court House Building association formed; W. T. Aderhold, chairman, Joseph Treu, secretary, and S. II, Fairfield, treasurer. Other members of committee: Henry Schmitz, Ed. Krapp, Robert Fix, Charles Lehmberg, Peter Thoes, L. Pauly, J. P. Gleich, and A. Schewe. Contract let to build court house: Stone work to Fred Link for $2,157; carpenter work to Fritz Vollmer at $2,200, and the plastering to George Bender at $600. Mr. Hower's house on Kuenzli creek burned first week in May. May 21st, a son of Mr. L. Wendland, 11 years old, drowned while in swimming. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 327 May 2">th; 200 Indians from Nebraska passed through Alma on a visit to the Kaws, near Council Grove. June 26lh, the nine year old son of J. F. Willard, near Wabaunsee, died from the bite of a rattlesnake. June 24th, George Colgrove and another horse thief shot by Sheriff Herrick and the sheriff of Dickinson county at a farm house in Mill creek township while resisting arrest. Slept with Will Her- rick in same room with his father. Escaped night of July 5th. July 27th, Schmitz & Meyer had over four tons of butter in cellar. August 4th, a German named Speckman, 60 years old, drowned in Mill creek, four miles above Alma. September 20th, August Weber's coat pocket caught in tumbling- rod of threshing machine. Arm, with shoulder blade torn out. Wound dressed by Dr. Brasche and fully recovered. October 12th, Thomas Barker, Mission creek, lost 200 tons of hay by prairie fire. October 19th, body of man found in Mill creek, near Aderhold crossing, by L. M. LaDuke. Had been murdered. Pockets turned inside out. Had T. S. W. on arm; age 35 or 40; sandy complexion. In October, two men named Anderson were caught in prairie fire between Manhattan and Zeandale. One was burned to death and the recovery of the other doubtful. New school house built in Dist. No. 5; also in No. 11. November 4th, body of Melanctbon In man found dead on bank of river, four miles below Wamego. Had died October 11th. Was a trapper. John Mock held inquest. Mr. Henry Klein killed deer weighing 160 pounds on Klein farm on East branch of Mill creek. Postoffice at Maple Hill established, John Winkler, postmaster. Office supplied from Newbury. November 14th, eleven men started from Harveyville on a buffalo hunt. Saw only a few old Buffalo and barely escaped freezing. iSec- essary to keep constantly on the move. December 23d, contract let for building the bridge over Kansas river at Wamego. December 23d, a young man named Samuel Walker killed by acci- dental discharge of gun. December 26th, Smith Kelsey's house at Wabaunsee burned.- 1872. January. Stabbing affray on Snokomo— Kccler and Ferrin— over a claim. 328 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Smallpox in Berlin 'settlement (Templin), Alma, and on East branch of Mill creek. Among those dying of smallpox was N, H. Whittemore, county attorney. John T. Keagy was appointed by Judge Morton to fill vacancy. Tuesday night, January 23d, J. M. Matheny stepped out of west door of State house, falling 20 feet, breaking left thigh and receiving serious injuries in head. New court house occupied last week in March. St. Marys bridge completed in February and Wamego bridge, in June. Flock of turkeys ranged in Pauly's timber. Ed. Herrick and Dr. Wharry brought in one weighing 16 lbs. In April, while C. O. Kinne was with his father in the timber on Mulberry creek a black bear rose on his haunches and after a few growls ambled across the prairie in a northwest direction. Mr. Kinne says he wasn't hunting for bear that day. Hadn't even a pocket knife and wasn't hungry for bear, anyway. A five year old son of Mr. J. H. Smale died of a chill in the school room— Dist. 30, in March. March 9th, Alfred Rod, while hunting ducks in Kansas river near mouth of Mill creek, shot accidentally by companion. March 26th, Rosa, a little daughter of Martin Muckenthaler, of Newbury, burned by clothes catching from fire in yard. Lived until the following day. April 8th, a 13 year old daughter of Philip Litz drowned in Mill creek. Found by Ferdinand Schmanke three miles above Alma. April 14th, whirlwind on Nehring branch hurled cow 20 feet, striking against stone wall and breaking her neck. During the prevalence of smallpox P. F. Johnson made arrange- ments with Drs. Brasche and Wharry to vaccinate all who desired it free. Dr. Weaver, of Wabaunsee, vaccinated 466 persons during the scare. Mrs. Catherine Greemore (nee Bourassa), an historical character favorably known to every traveler across the reserve by reason of her many kind acts, died March 17th. 1873. Robert Shaw operated the first woolen mill in the county— on the head of Mission creek. Mr. Herb Shaw peddled the product of the mills through the adjacent territory in a two-horse wagon. In February, John Schwanke was appointed postmaster at Moltke* (Cobb); Henry Grimm, at Grimm postoffice, and Charles Lehmberg, at Berlin (Templin). FA RLY I QSTORY OF WAIJA UNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 329 J. »mb killed large catamount within a rod of his house, Mission creek, in May. Lincoln house, in Alma, opened by T. R. McElroy, in September. Among the many losses from prairie fires this year was the resi- dence of Judge Hall, at Wabaunsee, burned Friday night, November 14th. Loss 84,000, including 60 tons hay, 300 bushels corn, 1,800 lbs. cheese, and 6 fat hogs. Also, Geo. S. Burt's stables, grain, etc. Mr. Finn, near Eskridge, lost hay and stables. Kuenzli and Nicely, a large amount of hay. Much property destroyed on Rock creek. II. J. is, W. II. Coleman, and James McMahan, each lost everything spt dwelling. 1874. Catholic church erected. No resident priest until 1880. Supplied by Jesuit fathers from St. Marys. Then Pr. Hundhausen until 1891: Fr. Ifohe until 1892; Fr. Bollwig until 1895; Fr. Cihal, August, 1895, until March, 1896; then Fr. Kamp— the present incumbent. Sylvester Kraemer, on Rock creek, killed six deer during the heavy snows in January. John S. Buchanan was appointed postmaster at Wilmington In Ma\ . I. L. French, at French Valley, in August, and Geo. W. Moore, at Maple Hill, the same, month. In July, stages left Alma for Wamego, daily; for Siiver Lake, • each week, Tuesdays and Fridays; for A mericus and Council Grove, every Wednesday, and for Burlingame and Topcka, every Frid In October, 500 Otoe Indians left their reservation in Southern Nebraska, to join the Osagcs, who were reported going on the war- path. A runner overtook the band at Marysville and induced about half of the warriors to return to the reservation. The remainder got as far as Wamego when they were intercepted by troops sent out from Fori Riley, where the chiefsand head men were imprisoned. About 200 went into camp three miles northeast of Wamego, alarming the settlers by their presence in the vicinity of their homes. On a trip from Alma to Wamego, in December, a large gray wolf followed the hack several miles. Quite a number of shots were fired rtfship changed his course. During December of this year the first tire department in Alma was organized. John Gibson was mayor. This is known in Kansas Annals as the "grasshopper year." The shoppers (or locusts) came in myriads, obscuring the sun. and in a few short hours transformed a land teeming wit h plenty into a desert 330 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. waste. A truthful story would savor of Munchausonism and the narrator be set down as unworthy of belief. They devoured every green thing, even to the leaves of the trees and their excrement falling into the streams poisoned the fish. Many cattle died from drinking the water and others were fatally poisoned by eating the remains of the fodder shocks on which they had alighted and partly devoured, Melons were eaten to the core and the vines destroyed. A patch of turnips was but as a luncheon, the insects burrowing into the cham- bers hollowed out by their mandibles. There had been a dearth of moisture and hetween drouth and the grasshoppers the settlers were ground as between the upper and nether millstones. Millions of holes were bored in the ground, wherein myriads of eggs were deposited, and when the warm sunshine of spring came, from every egg was hatched a grasshopper. To destroy the insects many plans were devised but little was accomplished. They had come as unbidden guests and the plagued pests had seemingly settled down for another feast when their wings were unfolded and they departed— as uncer- emoniously as they had come, and, it is hoped, to a place where grass- hoppers' visits are more welcome than in Kansas. 1875. The News of January 6th, said: Three more days of pleasant weather will place the Alma Salt Works in full blast. School opened in the new stone building, January 18th. On January 20th, fires were started under 25 huge kettles at the Salt Works. The owners were: John Winkler, Joseph Treu, Henry Schmitz, August Meyer, G. Zwanziger, and Frank Rickershauser. The News says: "The town is happy, the community is happy, that there is a permanent manufacturing enterprise in our midst that will be a source of revenue for all time to come." Hundreds of cords of wood, covering several acres of ground were piled near the works. Salt was sold at two dollars a barrel. The News of March 17th, contained this item: "It is reported that a spring trap went off at a smoke house door on the East branch of Mill creek one night last week and that a certain man has been sick in bed ever since." The smoke house belonged to Ed. Krapp, and the man— died. April 26th, George Boydston had an eye knocked out by boys throwing stones. On the night of March 16th, an attempt was made to burn the bank but was frustrated by Harry Licht. The fire was among a lot of EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 331 rubbish and a barrel of coal oil and tbree kegs of powder were already in the blaze. The News of May 19th, says: "Prof. M. Kast sends up a grand balloon from Winkler's hotel Friday night." Snokomo P. O. established in June, G. S. Kneeland, postmaster. Alma made a money order office July 5th, Geo. Fechter, post- master. First order issued to John T. Keagy. July 4th, John Spiecker's house struck by lightning. Mr. Spiecker unconscious for six hours. August 24th, stranger from Missouri, while herding sheep near west line of county, killed by tree falling on him, while asleep. September 23d, Carl Fink thrown from wagon near Wm. Krieg's place, crossing of Spring creek. Died from injuries following Sunday. October 17th, F. C. Simon had leg broken in two places while hitching up young horse to light wagon. October 20th, Gus Droege reports to News raised 120 bushels corn to acre by actual measurement, A. Kettermann reports 800 bushels on six acres. October, Mrs. Woods, of Rock creek, narrowly escaped death from bite of tarantula. December 6th, Mr. Buttenhoff, of Spring creek, killed near Bias- ing's, on Deep craek, by team running away. Was coming home from Manhattan with load of lumber. News, December 8th: "The beavers are building a dam on Mill creek, near east line of Henry Schmitz' new farm. Their work is a curiosity. Large cottonwoods are cut and thrown into the stream with as much precision as though felled by the most expert axemen. Brush and mud are laid upon the logs and their work is well secured. They have already raised the water two feet." Mails in 1875: Left Alma for Pavilion, Wabaunsee, and Wamego, daily. Left Alma for Newbury, Maple Hill, Plowboy, and Silver Lake, twice a week. Left Alma for Bismark, Eskridge, Harveyville. and Burlingame, weekly. Left Alma for Grimm, Templin, Moss Springs, Munson, and Council Grove, weekly. Left Alma for Rockton, Grant, Dover, and Topeka, weekly. Left Alma for Cobb, Chalk Mound, Agnes City, Dow creek, and Americus, weekly. Left Esk- ridge tor Chalk Mound and Council Grove, weekly. Left Eskrid^' for French Valley, Waushara, and Emporia, weekly. Left Eskridge for Harveyville and Burlingame, weekly. Left Eskridge for Bismark and Alma, weekly. 332 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 1876. February 2d, Ed. Oolcher, age 17, killed in front of school house at Newbury by being thrown from horse, breaking his neck. Horse scared by two dogs fighting. June 24th, Miss McGregor, of Mission creek, killed by being thrown under horses feet while driving a two-horse wagon. The sixth annual fair of the Wabaunsee County Agricultural association was held at Alma, October 3-4. In April, a daughter of Wm. Wiley, of Wabaunsee, died of a snake bite inflicted in 1872. W. M. Rinehart started store at Corners in the spring of 1876. At the October term of court W. A. Fry was convicted of maim- ing in the fourth degree. Escaped from Sheriff Hoskinson. (See page 108). December 1st, Mrs. Schroeder, of Farmer township, fell dead while milking. 187.7-* In February, Rocky Ford postoffice established, M. W. Janes, postmaster. Friday night, March 2d, type in News office pied. In the fall campaign controversy through the columns of the only newspaper were long and bitter — communications from two to six columns in length were frequent. The Farmer's Savings bank was a bone of contention, it being urged that a levy of an extra mill had been made to secure a surplus for the bank. Tower to Catholic church erected in March. Rev. Frank B. Smith moved into M. E. parsonage in September. Bourn's sawmill in Watson's timber, one and one-half miles south- west of Alma. Item in the News, March 28th: "As Mr. J. W. Emerson was on the road to Wamego one day last week, about two miles west of Wa- baunsee a large gray wolf suddenly appeared by the side of the wagon and attacked his large shepherd dog, which was saved only by the interference of Mr. Emerson. Those having little children should be careful not to let them wander from the house, alone." Stone school house at Harveyville built, size 31x43. J. M. Lingfelter, at April session, was appointed county superin- tendent to fill vacancy caused by resignation of F. W. Kroenke. Cheese factory opened at Wabaunsee in May. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 333 W. T. Pollock opened a store in Col. Sanford's building, at Esk- in October. Tuesday, July 3d, Marvin, a son of Capt. R. J. Stephenson, was killed by lightning in Maple Hill township while crossing the prairie on horseback. His brother, a mile away, was also stunned, and a son of Mr. Fauerbach was shocked by lightning. While pulling a gun out of a wagon muzzle foremost Arthur Rand received gunshot wound in arm. Saturday, November 3d, limb ampu- tated by Drs. Patee and Spillman, of Manhattan. 1878. January 30th, a large wildcat killed by J. W. Bowman on Pretty creek. Mr. Brooks, of Mission creek, erects windmill to grind grain, in January. D. P. Matthews, of Maple Hill, died of heart disease while eating breakfast. Left large family; two daughters taught school. Lutheran and M. E. churches built. Also, Waushara M. E. church. March 9th, Harvey Thomson's residence on Hendrick's creek burned. March 31st, Mrs. Bertram Klein, of Halifax, died of heart disease while sitting in her chair. Buildings being scarce at the "Corners" W. M. Rinehart rented a part of the room occupied by his store to Ira Hodgson for a harness and shoe shop. The two departments were separated by a chalk mark on the floor. June 30th, W. W. Cone reported a hog raised by D. C. Keeler, of Mission creek, weighing 900 pounds, measuring 7 feet 3 inches long; height, 3 feet 1 inch; breadth, through shoulders, 25 inches: circum- ference, 7 feet. While passing under a sycamore tree at the Moon crossing of Mission creek, on Sunday, June 30th, at 4 p. m., Mr. and Mrs. Allen Phillips were killed by lightning. The team was uninjured and stopped in front of Mr. Moon's house, a quarter of a mile west of the creek. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were returning to their home (theGodard ranch) from a visit to his son, L. M. Phillips, of North Topeka. Some time previous Mr. Phillips had expressed the belief that he and his wife would die suddenly and at the same time. Mr. Phillips was one of the first settlers in Newbury township and was one of the live men who laid out the town of Newbury. Was a lead- 334 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ing citizen, and owned one of the best farms in the county, being extensively engaged in raising wheat. On February 7th, the following were enrolled in the principal's department of the Alma school (two teachers were employed): Otto Zwanziger, Ottilie and Arthur Schmitz, Otto Hess, Willie and Minnie Pauly, Charles, Jerry, James, Sell, and Ulysses Fields, Emma and Richard Thoes, Margery, Lizzie, and John McElroy, Geo. Fechter, Amelia, Robert, Arthur, and Otto Winkler, Frank Lenk, Frank Jackson, Emil Beutel, George and Willie Huebner, Rosa, Maggie, and Frank Ressler, Josie, Ida, and Frank Wiedemann, Matilda and Henry Palenske, and Joseph Hensel. 1879. No newspaper file could be found for this year. August 2d, 138,700 bonds voted for M. A. & B. Railroad, to run 30 years from July 1, 1880. 1880. Eskridge (the new town) platted in April and first house hauled on the town site by Dr. Trivett and placed on corner where bank now located. First residence built by Dr. Trivett, for O. T. Lamb. August 4th, Fred Muehlehbacher found dead in timber. Disap- peared the 3d. Grape vine around neck with body supported by pole. January 5th, attempt made to break into vault in county treas- urer's office. Hole drilled through outer door, powder poured in and exploded. Vault now used by surveyor. March 16th, Willie Fortner, Zeandale, while out hunting shot by accidental discharge of companion's gun. May 23d, M. Gehrts' house burned. The News of June 30th says of Eskridge: "J. H. Lawler has opened a hotel, and Mudge, a general store. Three or four dwellings erected and foundations for others. July 5th (the 4th coming on Sunday) was a gala day for Alma. 5,000 people and 5 bands. Alma was celebrating the 4th and our first railroad. Col. Sanford delivered excellent speech concerning the growth of transportation facilities in the United States. July 18th, railroad reached Wabaunsee. Fairfield postofflce established, Hiram Musselman, postmaster. July 26th, arrangements made to move buildings at the "Corners" to Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 335 August 25th, S. T. Wright making 20 barrels salt per day at Alma Salt Works. September 1st, first mail carried on M. A. & B. September 17th, William Hare, brakeman on M. A. & B., got foot caught in switch at Alma depot and two wheels ran over leg, necessi- tating amputation. Accident occurred Friday morning and operation performed at 5 p. m. Died during operation. 1881. In 1881, contracts were let to run mail lines from Alma by way of Newbury, Paxico, Maple Hill, Post creek, Tlowboy, and Valencia, to Topeka. From Alma via Grimm, Templin, Albion, Chester, Damorris, and Luther, to Council Grove. From Junction City via Briggs and Elvenia, to Alma. From Waushara via Wilmington, to Burlingame. From Eskridge via Chalk and Alburtis, to Council Grove. From Esk- ridge via French Valley, Allen, Ivy, and Dell, to Emporia. From Bisma&k (Halifax) via Rockton, Snokomo, Mission creek, Keene, and Dover, to Topeka. January 7th, Charlie Vannatta had left leg shattered by acciden- tal discharge of shotgun. Died Tuesday following. January 14th, Bennington Ayres, Wabaunsee, commits suicide. February 14th, Alexander Chambers, teamster for the "Colony" (Rock creek) found frozen on prairie. September 1st, Newt Gann killed by lightning while riding a mule and leading some horses, six miles northwest of Alma. September 8th, German, named Hestel dropped dead while plow- ing in field on Kuenzli creek. September 27th, first big fire in Alma. Krueger building burned at noon. Supposed cause: Boys and matches. G. G. Cornell lost library of 1,000 volumes, family souvenirs and valuable manuscript. Dr. Greene lost library. Fred Meyer and Mrs. Sawallisch lost every- thing. October 5th, Matt. Fooks kills George Miller on Spring creek. (See page 162). November, foundation for Congregational church in Alma put in —for stone building. Mr. S. T. Wright reports making 25 to 30 bands purest salt, per day at. Alma Salt Works. 336 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 1882. January 20th, suicide of G. W. Adam— shotgun. April 5th, Charles McQuarrie shot Armenia Lapham and himself at the Lapham farm, Wabaunsee. April 14th, Mrs. Semena Cann's body found in Farmer township, 200 yards from house, in hazel brush. Last seen about March 6th. A. Ketterman found pieces of lead as large as peas in sand pump while drilling well one and one-half miles south of Alma. March 31st, Francis Downey kicked to death by horse. Thrown and caught foot in harness. May 14th, Evangelical church dedicated. August 17th, Congregational church and cemetery at Maple Hill dedicated. 1883. Annie, the two year old daughter of W. E. Richey, fell from south end of west porch at State house. Fell 20 feet. April 13th, buildings at Meyer place, used for poor farm, demol- ished by cyclone. April 13th, Daniel McGonigle, Kaw, killed by lightning. April 14th, the five year old son of C. Kobiske died from hydro- phobia. June, Fred Meyer feeding 30,000 silk worms on leaves of the Osage orange. October, Copp erected telephone line from store to his house. Nov. 8th, W. H. Earl's house burned near Eskridge; loss, $2,000, December 17th, F. L. Raymond's house at Vera damaged $300 by fire. 1884. May 6th, a small cyclone demolished house occupied by J. Liston and family, Maple Hill. Family had just left the house. 52 buildings erected in Alma during the year. The News of May 21st said that the number of plug hats seen on the streets was another evidence of Alma's advancement towards metropolitan importance. June 13th, corner stone of Catholic church at Newbury laid. July 23d, Wm. Maike fell 26 feet, receiving severe injuries to spine while building INewbury church. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 337 October Iflth, Greenwood's barn, Kaw township, burned. October 27th, remains of Charles Koch found by John Bingaman, half mile north of Hendricks creek crossing. Identified by clothing; last seen April 18th. November 1st, Licht & Lingfelter put in telephone from their land office to court house. November 9th, Frank McKee, 15 year old son of Henry McKee, near Eskrldge, killed by accidental discharge of gun. November 15th, August Kietzmann, Sr., dropped dead in his yard. November I6th, George D. Godard accidentally killed by gun being drawn through fence. 1885. January 25th, M. E. church, at Wabaunsee, dedicated. March, Rocktnn postoffice established; Agnes Hill, postmistress. March 10th, R. B. Spillman appointed judge. March 28th, A. O. Hogbin's barn and six horses burned. May 25th, James Sparks died at Star hotel (opposite Mrs. Meyer's) from overdose of laudanum. June 22d, Ham Stone's house, Maple Hill, burned by lamp up- setting. July 18th, fire in rear of F. C. Simon's store— loss $1,000. August 17th, stone barn of W. S. Combs, Kaw, burned— horses and machinery. September 12th, John Ewlng, on A. Norlin's place died of kick from a horse. October 2d, Geo. Holmes' barn, three horses burned. November 8th, wildcat killed three miles south of Alma. November 15th, Arthur Haller killed by accidental discbarge of gun. November, postoffice at Elvenia discontinued. December 13th, Dura Warren's residence, Maple Hill, burned. Loss $7,000. 1886. January 9th, Lewis Clark's house, Snokomo, bnrned. February 13th, M. W. Janes' barn burned, Maple Hill, loss $7,000. June 3d, John Clark's barn, Elm creek, burned, loss $(1,000. June 26th, young man named Krieger killed by lightning on Pretty creek. While plowing took shelter in vacant house. 338 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. July 17th, Rock Island bonds voted. In four townships 690 for and 29 against. August 20th, A. Stech's house, near Paxico, burned. August 29th, the 14 year old son of B. F. Funkhouser, Mission creek, drowned while bathing. August 30th, Arthur Hare, eight years old, drowned while bathing in Mill creek at Alma. October 19th, barn on Fowler's ranch burned by lamp explosion— 15 horses— loss 810,000. Pike laid out by W. D. Deans in October. Name changed to Cable City, and in March, 1887 to Alta Vista. Paxico laid out and named in December. 1887. March 8th, Allen Hodgson's house, near Harvey ville, burned. March 21st, Fred Jackson's house, Snokomo, burned. March 25th, Rock Island reaches Alma. . March 26th, Timothy McCarthy killed by James Sleet on Rock Island grade, near Templin. May, McFarland laid out and platted. June 19th, H. J. Pippert's barn, Alma, burned. August 18th, Mrs. Milton Riggin, near Wilmington, killed by lightning. August 25th, M. Gehrt's house, Paxico, burned. September 24th, Mrs. Bruegger's house, West Alma, burned. October 10th, Matt Thomson's barn, Alma, burned. November, Congregational parsonage completed. December 12th, Brandt hotel opened. Wamego bridge made free April 12th. July 31st, August Herman drowned near M. A. & B. bridge. October 7th, Jack O'Donnell run over and killed by cars at Rock Island depot. St. Marys bridge made free October 20th. November 15th, D. K. Pugh thrown off abutment of Rock Island bridge, west of Maple Hill. Lived five minutes; fell 22 feet. November 5th, Frank Rice, brakeman, killed at Paxico. 1888. January 16th, J. F. Limerick and ten others injured in wreck oa Rock Island, one mile west of Willard. Two sleepers derailed. EA RLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 339 nary 19th, ten freight cars fell through Deep creek bridge. Millard Foster, fireman, killed. March 4th, Anthony Saddler killed at McFarland in attempting ■.lid moving freight train. April 11th, James Woods' child, Rock creek, drowned in spring. April 13th, Alma postoffice burglarized and safe blown open. April 21st, 13 year old son of T. C. Austin died from kick of mule. August 3d, Jersey Small's residence, Maple Hill township, de- stroyed by lightning; loss $10,000. August 3d, Watson & Aderhold's store at McFarland demolished in wind storm. September 15th, Herman Oehms, 11 years old, badly crippled at Paxico while attempting to cross the track in front of incoming train. i >ctober 3d, 100 Pottawatomie Indians passed through Alma going on a visit with friends in Indian Territory. November 3d, J. E. Torrington, of Topeka, while hunting near Maple Hill, had nearly all flesh torn from lower part of arm while pulling loaded gun from wagon. November 9th, 75 head of cattle killed in M. A. & B. wreck near Pavilion. November 19th, II. P. Jesse, a brakemiin, killed while coupling cars at Maple Hill. 1889. January 23d, Bank of Wabaunsee county failed with $20,000 lia- bilities. February 14th, James Nelson, Mission creek, suicides. Had deeded his property to his wife. She died, leaving the property to her sisters in Sweden. A refusal of one of the sisters to marry Nelson was fol- lowed by the tragedy near Eskridge. February 22d, a vein of coal 3 feet 8 inches thick reported at a depth of 1,680 feet at Alma coal hole. March, first term of court 35th judicial district, Wm. Thomson, ! judge: C. E. Carroll, stenographer. April 4th, C. L. Hine, while working in a box car at McFarland, killed by pistol shot fired by Chas. E. Jackson from near Denver house, 150 yards distant. April 1st, J. H. Lynn's barn and two horses burned in prairie fire near Paxico. April 14th, unknown man suicides at Hotel Paxico. April 7th, Willetts' barn burned— 17 horses. May 6th, ('. lvuenzli's barn burned by lightning: loss $1,000. 340 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. July, Vera postofflce established— at "Grafton." June 24th, Alma State Bank opened for business. July 18th, Adam Diehl's two year old child drowned in hole of water at Paxico. July 28th, seven tribes participate in Indian dances near St. Marys. September 2d, Robert Walter run over by freight train and killed — midnight. October 26th, 14 cars derailed by cow on track on Frank Ricker- shauser's farm, near Paxico. October, Conrad Mogge thrown from cart in crossing ditch and killed. INovember 2d, corner stone of M. E. church, Alta Vista, laid. November 3d. E. Worsley's barn and three horses burned, Maple Hill. Boys shooting pigeons. December 2d, Billy Moore's house, Alma, burned. December, panther seen on Hendricks creek. Welfelt boys cap- ture 25 beaver before Christmas. Muskrats, mink, and skunks by the score. 1890. January 6th, Stephen Perkins, the village blacksmith at Halifax, dies suddenly. When found was sitting at stove with half filled pipe in his hand. January 3d, John Zellers house, barn, and granary, Paxico, burned. January 12th, Palenske building and Wetzel property (Conrad Mueller's) burned. Losses: L. Palenske, $6,500; C. Mueller, $2,500; H. M. Berry, $1,000; D. W. Johnson, $1,000; M. Kast, $500; Masonic Lodge, $300; T. Morris, $250; Alma State Bank, $200; Henry Stein, $150. January 12th, McNemar's store at Fairfield burned. Postofflce in building. March 13th, William Crockett and Frank Leggitt killed at coal shaft. March 15th, Wm. Holvey knocked from scaffold and killed while cleaning ice from coal shaft. March 29th, Jacob S. Crohn knocked off of blind baggage and run over by train at McFarland. Raked by brake rods. Died in Alma, April 3d. German M. E. church on Rock creek erected. Also Lutheran church and school house, in Alma. March 12th, big fire at Eskridge; burning all buildings on west side, between Mudge's and Trusler's. Loss $25,000. E. L. Shumate & Son, W. H. Mills, J. W. Taylor, and Parmiter &Co., being main losers. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. ANTON SCHEWE, Farmer Township. RESIDENCE OF MR. FRED THOWE, Farmer Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. JACOB TERRASS, Farmer Township. RESIDENCE OF MR. AUGUST HANSEN, near McFarlaud. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. OTTO HESS, Halifax. RESIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM DREBING, near Halifax. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. CHAS. ZECKSER, on West Branch EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. GUS DROEGE, Farmer Township. '*^^ LJfc* &i RESIDENCE OF MR. JOSEPH THOES, Farmer Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. HOME AND FARM BUILDINGS OF MR. FRANK RICKERSHAUSER, near Paxlco. ^M5"~ ' — : H IS : "fci — ^— B—l H8B RESIDENCE OF MR. CHRISTIAN KUENZLI (deceased.) EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. THRESHING AT THE PALENSKE FARM, NEAR ALMA. RESIDENCE OF COL. E. H. SANFORD (deceased). The First House in Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. JOHN SCHWALM, Kuenzli Creek. RESIDENCE OF MR. CHRIS THOWE, Fanner Township. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ALMA ROLLER MILLS, H. F. DI3BROW, PROPRIETOR. 8CENE AT DAVIS BROS.' RANCH.J1898. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. RESIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM HORNE, Spring Creek. £ - 2 $ ** i ~ '• ''* ' it ,'*' S § £ * '/ •' liiiiJiMlliiii' RESIDENCE OF THE LATE MR. D. A. WOODARD, Wilmin«tou Towusliip. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 341 March 23d, a destructive prairie fire passes through Mill creek and Newbury townships. March 24th, Warren, Saxton & OiTord's barn, Maple Hill, burned. Loss $20,000. Ten imported stallions. March 30th, A. C. Kuenzli's meat market, Paxico, burned. April 7th, A. Kettermann's barn, corn, hay, and wheat burned. June 27th. Wm. Baldwin, engineer on Rock Island, knocked from step and killed by bridge over Mission creek. July 3d, Fowler Bros, largest barn struck by lightning and burned in 30 minutes. October 6th, Squire Cantrill, Harveyville, shipped hog to Kansas City market that weighed 980 pounds. July 27th, Henry Michaelis' wheat stacks burned. August 22d, Charlie Zwanziger's barn burned. September 8th, ten empty cars wrecked at Dan Morlan place on M., A. &B. October, Thos. Cousins severely cut by corn cutter in runaway. November 9th, First National Bank (J. F. Limerick, president) suspended. December 4th. Pancoast house, Alma, burned. December 22d, old Alma hotel, bank building and Allen Bros, store burned. December 23d, Alliance corn crib, power corn sheller and freight car burned at Harveyville. 1891. January 2d, David Crawford fell forty feet off of Santa Fe bridge- arm broken. January 5th, Goddard's barn, Vera, burned— spontaneous com- bustion. February 17th, Rocky Ford bridge, Maple Hill, completed. Mc- Crumb bridge and Dry Creek bridges completed in March. Double arch bridge at Dieball crossing completed. Church at Templin dedicated, September 20th. March 1st, Dowell killed Wheaton, near Alta Vista, in dispute over rented farm. March 17th, the biggest steer on record, the property of L. Pauly, died; 7 feet high and weighed 2,600 pounds. Hide weighed 300. April 21st, C. C. Brooks drowned while attempting in cross Mis- sion creek. June 4th, coal chute at McFarland burned. 342 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. School house at McFarland completed in November. Belvue bridge, cost $8,000, completed December 1st. 15,000 foreign cattle grazed in Wabaunsee county this year. September, L. Huebner's house, Hendricks creek, burned. Peter Lang had both legs broken in runaway, caused by load of lumber slipping forward on team while going down hill. 1892. John E. Mayes committed suicide in cemetery at Wabaunsee. March 3d, Dr. Gulp escaped from Alma jail by the aid of keys made from a piece of broom handle. Run over and killed by cars at Albu- querque, New Mexico, May 4th. March 30th, Frank Meier's barn, near Halifax, with one cow and five horses burned. April 4th, stone school house in Dist. 18 demolished by cyclone. September 17th, drill for coal at McFarland reached a depth of 1,700 feet. M. E. church at Bradford dedicated. October, Liederkranz singing society organized in Alma. December, Bates Bros, left Vera. 50 quarrymen and stone cutters employed at Fox's quarries, four miles southwest of Alma. July 16th, George Eden, baggagemaster, killed in Indiana. While train was backing piece of coupling pin broke and hit George in head. 1893. New addition to court house erected. February 11th, Louis Drebing killed a deer near Halifax. April 9th, George Berroth's house, midway between Alma and Wamego, burned. April 18th, Jesse Cahill shot in breast by Ira Johnson at Junction City. January 8th, remains of Wm. Keeler, killed at Falls City, Ne- braska, brought to Alma for burial. January 11th, H. G. Richter killed 27 jack rabbits at Templin. February 7th, James Carroll injured in wreck on the Big Four, near Pana, Illinois. 91 passengers injured and baggageman burned in wreck. February 13th, Louis Muehlenbacher killed by flying limb while felling a tree. Rendered speechless by wound in head. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 343 February, four members of Tillman family died with measles- death resulting from exposure on deck of vessel in New York harbor. March, Prairie band of Pottawatomies paid at St, Marys. Each received $95.75. J. Francis Harris, the long haired man— not from Borneo, but from the hills of Michigan, the Black Hills, and other parts of the world too numerous to mention, discovers Alma. April 18th, fire at Rosenstengel's, near Newbury. April 7th, Otto Graf Von Wartensleben died at Wheaton, Texas. Son-in-law of Charles Hanson; Count; belonged to one of leading German families. Great traveler and showed with much pride invi- tations to royal receptions. Had letters of recommendation from titled personages in old world. Taught home school in Dist. 18. James Lumsden one of 300 cowboys to start from Chad ron, Ne- braska, July 3d, for World's fair, Chicago. October, quite a number of pigs killed by wolves four miles south of Alma. October 15th, three colored men killed in collision at Paxico. October 22d, John Sudweeks' residence, Eskridge, burned. October 23d, Fred Miller's house, South branch, burned— lamp explosion. October 28th, Conrad Zehner found dead in his office. Sunday. December 10th, Miss May Withgot, Paxico, injured in runaway. Died Tuesday. December 19th, Franz Meier's house near coal shaft burned. June 30th, Mrs. J. M. Eck struck by lightning. 1894. January 11th, S. H. Fairfield's office building, McFarland, burned. February 2d, Henry Biesterfeldt badly injured by overturned wagon on grade of Belvue bridge. Died October 1, 1897. Constant sufferer for nearly four years. January 22d, the divorced wife of Ira Johnson dies from symptons of poisoning. Died at Charles Wenzel's. February 10th, John Johnson killed by falling off stone abutment of Rock Island bridge over Hendricks creek. March 2d, Jo Davis killed by Hugh Russell at Paxico. Struck in back of head by rock thrown by Russell. March 12th, James Enlow's house, Wabaunsee, burned. March 17th, Peter Muehlenbacher murdered. (See pages 167-161). April 23d, Ad Thompson's house, Mission creek, burned. June 13th, Henry, the five year old son of Carl Maike, drowned by 344 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. falling headlong into a barrel while attempting to feed the pigs. July 4th, Charlie Zwanziger's house, near Alma, burned. Before retiring the smell of burning pine caused search for fire but could not be located. Mr. John Winkler going home from celebration awakened the family. July 9th, Connell's blacksmith shap, Paxico, burned. August 6th, Oke Anderson, Nehring branch, found dead in stock well. August 6th, freight train parted between Volland and Alma, causing collision at Alma depot. 47 head of cattle killed. August 7th, Lillian Smith fell from top to bottom of outside stairway, Kaufman building. August 8th, Mrs. Matt. Thomson, Alma, while opening shutters fell from second story window; severely injured. August 10th, Dr. Trivett, J. Y. Waugh, and John Sudweeks in- jured in runaway. August 14th, James Driver's granary, near Vera, burned. October 14th, M. E. church, Kaw township, dedicated. 1895. January, vein of red marble found while digging a well on farm of Rev. O. F. Zeckser, Templin. Sunday, January 27th, 5 p. m., Commercial House burned— defect- ive flue. January 30th, Henry N. Castle and wife lost, with 400 passengers, on steamer Elbe, between San Francisco and Sandwich Islands. February 3d, Scheidt building, owned by C. Wertzberger, burned. March 1st, Chas. Zwanziger's house and barn, near Alma, burned. March 15th, Stuewe Bros, opened Bank of Alma. March 24th, Solscheid building, in Alma, burned. April 5th, Biglin school house (Jt. Dist. 30) demolished by cyclone. Considerable damage done on Illinois creek. July 11th, tri-weekly mail service put on between Alma and Esk- ridge on account of washout on M. A. & B., July 4th. 12 inches rain fell. 150 men repairing track and building bridges. September 14th, Dr. Trivett found body of Simon Griffith in his house, near Bradford. Death had resulted from a self-inflicted gun- shot wound about six days before. September 18th, George Ewing's house, barn, and granary, five miles northwest of Alma, burned. John Clifford Smith, Maple Hill, accidentally shot while looking for some article in a trunk. Died nine hours later. October 19th, fire discovered under stairway in Brandt's hotel. Timely discovery saved building. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 345 1896. January, Joseph Tillman, Newbury, loses four children, measles, exposed in N. Y. harbor by quarantine officer. January 5th, Vet Stratton's residence near Alta Vista, burned while family were at church. February 4th, 2 p. m., Richter building, occupied by Louis Sohroeder, furniture, and restaurant occupied by Enlow, burned. March 12th, three different fires at Cornell's residence in Alma — 10 a. m., noon and 7 p. m. The fire caught from the thimble through the ceiling, extending along the joists to the sides and roof. Only by the most strenuous exertions was the building saved. March 16th, Daniel Shoecraft, of Eskridge, and young grandson, Byron Shoecraft, of St. Joseph. Mo., drowned at Krapp crossing of Mill creek. The train being late, Claude Shumate undertook to drive them to Eskridge. Mr. Shoecraft sank immediately, but the little boy, after drifting 200 yards, caught an overhanging limb. Claude secured a rope at Geo. Screiber's ( Lund place ) and threw it three times, but Byron failed to catch it. With a parting "good bye" the noble little fellow went down in the turbid waters of Mill creek. Three hundred searchers came together and at 3 p. m. Sunday the bodies were found, about ten feet apart, a quarter of a mile below the crossing. Jim Moore found the body of little Byron and but a moment later Mr. Shoecraft's body was found by Elmer Meredith. At the time this was the only crossing between Alma and Eskridge without a bridge. March 16th, Win, Wehrle, formerly of Halifax, found murdered on his claim near Alva, Oklahoma. March 19th, Frank Mitchell murdered ( see page 155). March 26th, Fred Steinmeyer, Sr., had both shoulders dislocated in a runaway. March 28. Alma purchased her first fire apparatus and 500 feet of hose from Junction City for $250. April 14th, opera house (lower floor Odd Fellows building) narrowly escaped destruction by overturned lamp — flames rose to ceiling. April 17th, the James Driver building on East Main St., Alma, burned, 3 a. m. April 23d, John McWilliams' residence in Kaw township, burned. April 24th, cloudburst on Spring creek, wall of water 10 feet high. Geo. Schade lost 24 head of stock and Conrad Mueller 2 head. Herman Kesitzke compelled to climb a tree where he remained till the flood subsided. December 26th, Herman Zeckser, 16 year old son of Aug. Zeckser, lost three fingers by gun explosion. 346 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. On the same day J. M. Lee and Ed. Coxen narrowly escaped drown- ing while crossing Mill creek east of the poor farm. May 20th, Jansen's house near Maple Hill, destroyed by a small cyclone; also the house of John Gilkerson near Valencia. The funnel- shaped cloud. was plainly visible from Maple Hill and Newbury. May, Charles Hanson narrowly escaped drowning at the Kricg crossing of Spring creek. Team drowned, but Mr. Hanson caught on a tree. Henry Reuter waded as far as he could, then with a long pole succeeded in extricating Mr. Hanson from his perilous position. June 18th, Isidor Ilaller's corn cribs, with 1,700 bushels corn burned. July 9th, James Mullin, aged 21, drowned by bank caving in while fishing in Rock creek. July 12th, Johnnie Christensen, the 14 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Christensen, of Alta Yista, thrown from horse, dying two days later from injuries received. August, Alta Yista camp Sons of Veterans mustered. August 23d, Eddie Anderson, Halifax, had heel crushed between bumpers while attempting to cross between the cars of a cattle train. September 2d, a small building owned by X. Wiedemann in south- east part of Alma burned at midnight. November 29th, DeWitt Allendorph, while out hunting with Boy Hensel was shot by the accidental discharge of his shotgun that he had leaned against an old unused boiler in Mr. Pauly's timber. A part of the collar bone and four inches of the arm bone were removed by a surgical operation. The best of care and a strong constitution insured an early and complete recovery. 1897. January 8th, a 14 year old son of Henry Hupe, Kaw township, starting on a hunt slipped on icy porch, discharging contents of shot- gun in abdomen. Buried following day. January 25th, Rock Island depot, Maple Hill, burned. McMahan property, built for Odd Fellows Hall, and Jouvenal building burned Saturday night, January 29th. February 26th, a brakeman whose home was in Belleville, killed at crossing of M. A. & B. track, near Pavilion. His first trip. Blinded by steam and walked between cars. March 3d, Stone's store, Wabaunsee, burglarized. March 6th, Jacob Bagwell killed by train near Eskridge. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 347 March 13th, Eima, the three year old daughter of F. Stuewe, died from result of an operation. March 28th. Satnmie Hull accidentally shot in hand at Eskridge. April 22d, Henry Miller's house on Paw Paw creek destroyed by cyclone. Henry's leg- broken in two places: August, his 7 year old son, killed; Paulina, aged 3, arm broken: Mrs. Miller, bad cut in leg; Bessie Simincrwell bruised all over, and Paul Schmanke slightly injured. Path of storm 8 feet wide. Struck hill east of house and disappeared in clouds. April 23d, Ed. Krapp's house burned. Mrs. Krapp making soap, boiled over setting house on fire. New stone school house in Dist. 45 built. May 26th, small barn near Lutheran church burned. Small boy and matches. May 13th, James Driver's house, Paxico, burned. June 21st. Commercial house barn burned, at midnight. July 8th. Mrs. Robert Enlow died as result of operation performed in Topeka. August 21st, Mrs. Green, Wabaunsee, seriously burned by explod- ing lamp. October 19th, club house, Paxico, fired by incendiary. Building saved by hard work. October 28th. Henry Wille fired house and barn and killed himself. November 11th, Herman Diepenbrock's slaughter house burned. November 17th, Willie Pries playing with matches set tire to house. Extinguished by Vena Lang. December 5th, Scott Willis, Maple Hill, found dead. 1898. January 3d, Alma National Bank opened for business. May 4th, John Thomas shot four persons at Maple II ill. (See page 17). July 16th, the Allm home, the property of Chris. Anderson, and lately vacated by him, caught fire while five children were asleep. Mary, Eva, and Edna, aged 13, 3, and 9, burned to death. Others badly burned. Evangelical church, Wells creek, dedicated. Rev. Abele assisted by Revs. Silbermann, Kallich, Nagel, and Barkmann. August 9-15th, M. A. & B. track, Alma to Manhattan, torn up. August 31st, Catholic fair and festival at Liederkranz Park— $700 receipts. September 27th, Bradford mill burned. 348 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. September 29th, the two year old son of John Haynes, near Keene, badly mutilated by hogs — having strayed from house and fallen into pen. October 5th, Wm. Correll killed at bridge near John Boettcher's while leaning from cab window. October 17th and 18th, worst blizzard ever known for the season, many cattle in pastures dying. November 19th, five wagon loads of Pottawatomie Indians passed through Alma on way from Indian Territory to Reserve. November 30th, John Thoes found dead on north side of Ad. Lund's barn. Had been dragged four miles. Had left Alma at 8 p. m. the night before. 17 years before, Nick Thoes, a brother, had been drowned at the crossing 200 yards north of where body was found, E. Wetzel, with him at the time, swimming ashore. Creek swollen from melting snows. December 5th, service from Alma to Manhattan over Rock Island discontinued. December, new school house in Dist. 15 completed. 1899. January 9th, George McCrumb run over and killed one mile east of McFarland. January 18th, John Spiecker's house, four miles south of Alma, burned. January 22d, LaFayette Ditty, former resident of Alma, drowned himself and son on "Lucky Baldwin's" ranch, near Los Angeles, Cal. February 6th, Catholic church, Alma, burned 3:30 a.m. Built in 1874. Richly furnished. Organ, vestments, and decorations, Build- ing 38x60, with tower on west end, 16x16. Loss $10,000. February 7th, G. Nehring had ankle badly shattered while cutting tree on Nehring branch. March 16th, Wm. Freeman, express messenger, burned in wreck at Volland; 4 cars burned. March 20th, Guy Lumsden killed on A. M. Jordan's farm, Kuenzli creek. Team ran away and struck tree, upsetting wagon on pile of rails, with body underneath, i March, McFarland depot moved from north to south side of track. June 15th, postoffice at Fairfield discontinued. August 22d, Catholic picnic at Liederkranz park; receipts $600. October 8th, Waushara M. E. church dedicated. 34x50 and cost $1,600. Replaced old church built in 1878. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 349 August 30th, James Herron's barn, Plumb township, burned, with five horses. October, Miller precinct established. October 27th, Harry Sparling thrown from horse near Eskridge, dying next day, June 16th, son of David Oliver, Maple Hill, killed by horse falling backwards. Just one year before to a day another son was drowned. June 28th, Harry Tandy and Calvin Burger murdered at Mc- Farland. June 27th, Wrn. Drebing died at his home on Mill creek. (See biography). July 6th, cloudburst Clapboard ravine came near resulting in dis- aster to the four families camping out. 13 cars ditched on M. A. & B, at Leo. Gersbach's, and washout at Yolland on Rock Island. December 19th, new Catholic church dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Fink. Corner stone laid August 27th. 1900. January 1st, .John Sudweeks appointed county commissioner to Qll vacancy caused by death of C. N. Earl. January 15th, Harvey Roark, aged 15, killed by horse falling on him while driving cattle on Muehlenbacher branch. April, Eskridge State Bank organized. June 20th, AltaVista Bank opened. August 10th, W. H. Collier's house, Alma, burned. August 30th, 10,000 people at Woodmen celebration, Alma. August 31st, Rock Island depot burned 1:30 a. m. October 14th, Mr. Hearn's barn (on Dierker place) burned. November 19th, barn at Kinne place, occupied by D. U. Millison burned. December 2d, Evangelical church, Wells creek, dedicated, 700 present. December 24th, 17 year old son of Mr. Blair, Maple Hill, killed by discharge of gun he was trying to pull through hedge, muzzle fore- most. December 28th, George Thierer, Volland, accidentally shot by discharge of gun his brother was cleaning. While attempting to board freight train at McFarland tramp fell off bridge breaking several ribs and dislocating hip. 350 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 1901. January 25th, Rock Island depot burned, origin of fire unknown. February 13th, Alva Feaghans, of Alma, killed in Philippines. June, new Lutheran parsonage completed. Old building sold to Mr. Collier for residence. June 26th, John Olson committed suicide. August 1st, Stuewe Bros, lose 250 tons alfalfa by spontaneous combustion. September 30th, wreck at Maple Hill, stock killed. November 3d, Woodmen hall and two other buildings burned, Maple Hill. November 10th, Charles Maas, aged 17, killed by accidental dis- charge of gun. November, Fred Slusser, fireman on M. A. & B., killed in collision with Mo. Pac. at Osage City. July 19th, Johnnie Schilling, 8 years old, accidentally killed by gun in hands of 10 year old sister. Clyde Burkett, 14 year old son of Jerry Burkett, 6 miles east of Eskridge, killed by lightning. 1902, January 1st, only four of the Connecticut colony in the county: A. A. Cottrell, S. A. Baldwin, J. F. Willard, and Wm. Mitchell. February 4th, L. Pries' store, Alma, burned, 1 a. m.; loss $14,000. Dolley & Stewart's store at Maple Hill burned. Loss $25,000. March 28th, L. B. Moss, of Trenton, Missouri, brakeman on Rock Island, killed at McFarland. April 22d, a Mr. Quinn drowned in Mill creek at Maple Hill. May 13th, half mile of Rock Island track washed out on Henry Grimm's farm, near Volland. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 351 Newspaper History. The News: First paper in county, first number issued as The Wabaunsee County Herald, by Sellers & Bertram, Alma, April 1st, 1869. Bertram sold his interest toS. H. Fairfield, October 28th, 1869. March 9th, 1871, S. H. Fairfield became sole proprietor and changed name to Alma Union, with R. M. Tunnel], as local editor till November 12th, 1871. May 1st, 1872, Sellers becomes sole proprietor and changes name to Wabaunsee County News. Sold to Nathan Hughes, October 10th, 1883. Sold to D. W. Scott, August 24th, 1887, and on July oth, 4 1888, to I. D. Gardiner, who changes name to The Alma News. Sells an interest to F. W. Graham in December, 1889. A. O. Grigsby takes charge of the paper December 8th, 1892, and re- tires November 23d, 1893, leaving L. H. Gregory as manager. January 11th, 1894, the paper suspends publication. The material is shipped to Topeka and the subscription list sold to the Alma Enterpise. The Alma Blade, R. Cunningham & Co. First number, Alma, March 14th, 1877, and last issue February 20th, 1878. The Mail was issued from the Blade office during the fall campaign of 1877. The Wabaunsee County Herald, J. B. Campbell & Bro., editors. First issue, Alma, October 1880. Sold to W. W. Cone, September 1881, and name changed to the Home Weekly. Moved to Eskridge, January 26th, 1882. April, 1885, Cone sold to Richey & Andrews— The Home Weekly Publishing Co., Henry Rickel, editor, till October 29th, 1885, when paper was sold to D. V. Dowd. Consolidated with the Eskridge Star, September 13th, 1888. The Alma Enterprise, Vol. 1, No. 1, Welch & Sage, editors. First number issued October 11th, 1884. Welch sold interest to O. W. Little, October 16th, 1891, since which time the paper has been conducted by Sage & Little. The Paxico Courier, L. E. Hoffman, editor. First number Sep- tember 1st, 1888. Leased to Oscar Rose, June 21st, 1889. Bought by Matt. Thomson September 1st, 1889. Material moved to Alma and used in publishing The Alma Signal, Vol. 1, No. 1, Matt. Thomson, editor and pub- lisher, being issued September 7th, 1889. Sold to Chester & Carroll, October 18th, 1901. Chester sold his interest to F. A. Seaman, Feb- ruary 16th, 1902. 352 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. The Progressive Patriot, published at Alma by Mrs. E. W. Crumb from September 20th to December 7, 1895. Teacher, Patron and Pupil, published by Dow Busenbark as an educational journal from October, 1897, to April, 1901. Truth, published at Alma by Rev. J. E. Kirkpatrick, from 1899 to 1901. The Land Mark, E. H. Sanford, editor. First published at Esk- ridge, in 1871. It was published at intervals— first at Eskridge, then at Alma, and again at Eskridge until the publication was discontinued. The Eskridge Star, Vol. 1, No. 1, J. J. Mitchell, editor, October 19, 1883; Mitchell & Dowd, January 31, 1884; Rickel & Dowd, March 27, 1884; D. V. Dowd, June 21, 1884; Dowd & Shelton, August, 1885; E. L. Shelton, October 22, 1885; Perry & Gardiner, July 1, 1886; E. H. Perry, June 7, 1888; Mitchell & Melrose, August 15, 1889; W. H. Mel- rose, February 13, 1890; J. J. Mitchell, January 12, 1899; Dow Busen- bark. March 29, 1900, the present editor and publisher. Wabaunsee County Democrat, Dr. Patte, editor, Eskridge, June 12, 1885. Published a few weeks and material sold to Perry & Gar- diner. Harveyville Herald, B. S. Vance, editor. First number June 11, 1886. Moved to Eskridge in October and name changed to Wabaunsee County Democrat. Sold to A. A. Graham November 12th, and to Perry & Gardiner, December 3, 1886. Alta Vista Register, Vol. 1, No. 1, June 16, 1887, by S. A. Staufler. Suspended March 27, 1889. Alta Vista Bugle. First issue by George W. Foster, June 7, 1889. Sold to H. F. Frame July 12th and suspended January 3, 1890. Alta Vista Record, Vol. 1, No. 1, by J. C. Padgett, April 17, 1890; S. M. Padgett, October 16th. Last issue, December 27, 1895. Alta Vista Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1, by Fred D. James, June 9, 1899. Sold to B. F. Amsbury, August 4th, and to J. B. Reagan, August 11, 1899. Bought by J. A. Schilling, January 17, 1902. Eskridge Tribune, Frank Hartman, August 23, 1900. October 10, 1901, F. A. Seaman buys half interest, and January 10, 1902, buys the other half interest. March 7, 1902, C. E. Carroll and F. A. Seaman, the present publishers. Eskridge Sun, October, 1888, by A. A. Graham. Suspends alter a few weeks. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 363 PETER RIYNARD Was born in France, April 30, 1830. Came to America with his parents when but eight years of age. On November 10, 1865, was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Zahner at Milwaukee, Wiscon- son, and two years later came to Wabaunsee county, locating near Eskridge. Three daughters and two sons came to the Riynard home: Mrs. Lena E. Dingman, Mrs. Emma E. Higby, Mrs. Alice L. Robert- son, Mr. Albert H. and Mr. Jesse E. Riynard, During the civil war Mr. Riynard was a member of Co. D, 1st Oregon Cavalry. Died at Eskridge March 12, 1885. He was an industrious, hard working man and one of our most highly esteemed citizens. G.G. HALL Was born April 26, 1803, in Herkimer county, New York. In 1850 was united in marriage to Miss Helen A. Wadsworth, of Utica, New York. Came to Kansas in 1858, locating at Wabaunsee where he resided until 1873. He was once appointed and nine times elected to the office of probate judge. He was a popular official, but the state- ment is superfluous when his repeated reelection to one of the most important offices in the gift of the people is before us. By his upright conduct, strict integrity and sterling worth, Judge Hall secured for himself an exalted place in the esteem of the people. AUGUST WOLGAST, SR. Was born December 25, 1835, in Ardmansbalde, Germany. He re- ceived a good educational training atGerswalde, and came to America and to Kansas in 1860. He was married May 16 of the same year to Miss Dorothea Geinther, to which union eight children were born. Mr. Wolgast owns an excellent farm of 700 acres near Templin and is one of our most substantial and most highly esteemed citizens, with a family of estimable children, who are following in the footsteps of their worthy parents. WILLIAM TREU Was a Wabaunsee county boy, born on the farm, October 16, 1865. Received good educational advantages, but preferred life on the farm, where he remained until elected sheritT of Wabaunsee county in 1891 Was reelected two years later and at the close of his 354 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. second term again returned to the farm, but this time in Texas, in the Beaumont oil fields, but before Mr. Treu could reap the benefit of his lucky investment he died on June 8, 1900, aged 34 years, 7 months and 22 days. Before going to Texas he was married to Miss Kate Little, a son being born to this union. Deceased was a young man of sterling worth and by his gentlemanly deportment had secured fox himself a warm place in the hearts of the people. JOHN HESS Was born July 7, 1825, in Altenrath, Prussia. He was educated at Frankfort-on-the-Main. Came to America in 1853 and to Kansas in 1857, locating at the mouth of Copp branch of Mill creek. On Decem- ber 31, 1854, was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Schmitz, to which union six children were born, four of whom are living: Anna, Elenora, Otto and Henry. Mr. Hess died April 5, 1877. He was one of the leading citizens of his time and a man of much influence, al- ways exerting his efforts for the general good. He was highly es- teemed and his death universally regretted. ABE WELFELT This picture of an Alma boy of ye olden time is true to life. Abe is now in the Indian Territory and a trusted member of the Indian police. While the history was in preparation Abe came to Alma on a visit with friends of years agone and before he got away a snap shot paved the way for an item in this history that would be much more interesting had Abe left behind him the particulars of a few of the many incidents that would read like a romance if set before our read- ers in cold type. Abe is a good hearted boy that has seen more of the rough side of life than one in ten thousand and his many friends need have no fears as to his ability to hold his own in any little adventure that may chance to come his way. W. S. WILLIAMS This portrait recalls an amusing as well as a thrilling incident of which this old pioneer constable and deputy U. S. Marshal was a par- ticipant—in fact one of the principal actors — the other party was a wounded buffalo that Williams had shot. There was a scrimmage from which Williams emerged pretty much in the condition of our first parents before partaking of the forbidden apple. The buffalo's EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 355 horns were responsible for the lack of apparel but Williams took a philosophical view of the situation and attributed bis ill luck to bis refusing to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. His compan- ions had remained at tbe camp, possibly not altogether oblivious of the fact that tbey were out of meat. At any rate, Peter Sharai was on the alert and but for a shot from his unerring rifle there would have been a funeral in camp instead of a feast. Even horse thieves had the greatest respect for Williams and never intentionally crossed his path. For the numerous accidents of this character Williams was alone responsible. LOUIS HORNE Was born August 16, 1870, at Jamestown, Wisconsin. Came to Alma with his parents when but twelve years of age. He was edu- cated in the public schools and taught school one term. On May 6, 1896, was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Schutter, to which union one son, Leo, was born. Died August 20, 1901, at the age of 31 years, He was proprietor of the Hotel Alma and a director of the Alma National Bank. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Silbermann, and as a mark of respect all business houses in town were closed. THE ALMA LIEDERKRANZ Was organized October 1st, 1890. First officers: President, G. IT. Meier; Vice Pres., Carl Lang; Secretary, C. Schubert; Treasurer, Otto Sawallisch. Fred Meyer was elected instructor in vocal culture. After a short stay at Philip Birk's, the Catholic school building was used, but the growth of the society demanding more room land was rented of Mr. Franz Schmidt, who, in recognition of his liberality, was made an honorary member of the society. A tract of land con- taining three and two-fifths acres was purchased in 1893 and a room 20x40 erected at a cost of $400. Steps were taken to beautify the grounds, Mr. C. Schubert being intrusted with this duty. The grounds today are the best evidence that he has been faithful to his trust. In 1900 the building was again enlarged, rendered necessary by the constant increase in the growth of the society, the number hav- ing reached 125 and with many applications for membership on (He. STREET SCENE IN CHICKASHA. Had our readers been in Chickasha at the opening of tho Kiowa and Comanche lands in Oklahoma in August, 1900, tbey would have seen just what the artist caught with the camera— one of the stirring 356 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. scenes that for months was daily repeated. But this is but a prototype of similar scenes enacted on the streets of Leavenworth and Kansas City in 1856 to 1860, when homeseekers were looking for a haven of rest in sunny Kansas. In both instances the march of empire was wending its way westward. But the settler seeking a home in Okla- homa possessed advantages the Kansas pioneer never enjoyed— his home market and base of supplies were brought nearer by the railroad. But the conditions are undergoing a revolution and a few years hence there will be no western border— no vacant lands to offer the pioneer a home for the asking. ALMA VOLUNTEER BAND. Names of members from left to right. First tier: George Linss, August Bandel, John Degenhardt, Richard Thoes, William Speer v Theo. Geisler, Chas. Meyer, John Senge. Second tier: Clarence Eck, Ralph Sage, Louis Burt, S. E. Hull (Band Instructor), Charlie Thom- son, Paul Geisler. Third tier: Charlie Palenske, Guy Cleaveland. OUT FOR A ROUND UP. We might say "swapping work"— a custom among cattlemen of assisting one another in rounding up and cutting out cattle suitable for the market or shipping. Named from left to right: Sell Fields. Fred Bates, Ed. Buckingham, John Berroth, Chet Davis, Al Davis, A. S. Allendorph and Tom Mankins. Though several ciphers would be required to indicate the property holdings of several of these parties, all are cowboys for the time being and either one can rope a steer with the ease of any expert on the range. SCENE ON DAVIS BROS/ RANCH. An every day occurrence on the range in the fall when the boys "out for a round up" have bunched the cattle preparatory to cutting out— the one task being but preliminary to the other. The round up means work. It means long rides over hill and dale and vigilant search through clumps of bushes and in cozy nooks for the widely scattered remnants of the herd. In pleasant weather it is agreeable employment, but when the threatening clouds lower and the vivid lightning plays on the tips of the long horns the thought that wells up is "the dearest spot on earth is home"— a thought that is usually dispelled by the first, bright rays of the summer's sunshine. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 357 VISITORS AT THE RANCH. A visit at the ranch from the ladies is to the cowboy like an oasis in the desert. Their coming means a break in the monotony of every day life on the range; it means an array of tempting viands at the noon hour to which the boys are hardly accustomed, to say nothing of the bright rays of sunshine for which old Sol is in nowise responsible. Catholic Church and Altar, Newbury. With the pews cost $8410. Built in 1884, by Rev. Father Hund- hausen. Two years later the parsonage was built at a cost of more than $1500. Capacity of church, 350. Membership, 500— about seventy families. Prior to the building of the stone church, services were held in the little frame building nearby— built in 1874 by Rev. Father Vanderburg. REV. WIENER'S CONFIRMATION CLASS. The date should be 1900. Members of the class named from left to right are as follows: Theo. Muckenthaler, Engelber Richtstadter, Eddie Mock, Leo Schmidt, Jos. Werner, Jos. Rosenstengel, Paulina ITund, Maggie Zeller, Isidor Glotzbach, Katie Glotzbach, Clemens Marstall, Clara Schultz, Rosa Muckenthaler, August Storch, Aloys Frey, Geo. IS oiler, Mary Schott, Katie Eagan, Elizabeth Michaelis, Frankie Michaelis, Victor Muckenthaler. Ida Hund, Johnnie Knoeb- ber, Joseph Higert, Margaretha Michaelis, Cecilia Meinhardt, Willie Schilling, Lizzie Hund, Clara Meinhardt— forming a classof most es- timable young people, members of the best families of Newbury and vicinity. That their life work may be all the more commendable by reason of their early religious training all may rest assured. The Newbury Philharmonic Band Was organized October 1, 1883, by Rev. Hundhausen, with Ferdi- nand Hermann, of Alma, as musical instructor and Mr. Martin Muckenthaler, Jr., (now deceased), band leader. The band is the old- est in the county, and, although but three of the old organization are now members of the band it still ranks as one of the best. The members own a nice set of nniforms and a band wagon. The follow- ing are the names of the band, named from left to right: Standing— Leo Hund, Frank Muckenthaler, (dee'd.), Franz Breitenstein, Albert 358 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Muckenthaler, J. P. Zellers, (with flag), fm, Glotzbach, Joseph Glotzbach, MoritzGuth, Ferdinand Hermann, (Alma), Fred Zeferj aim, John Mock. Standing— Joseph Muckenthaler, James Mock, C. J. Glotzbach, Martin Muckenthaler, Jr., (Dec'd.), Val Mock f Leopold Muckenthaler, Wm. Mock. ALMA VOLUNTEER BAND (STREET SCENE). From left to right: Charlie Palenske, Theo. Geisler, Charlie Thomson, John D-egenhardt, Sam Mongerson. James Thomson, Rich- ard Thoes, Ralph Sage, August Bandel, George Linss, William Speer, Louis Burt, Hugo Brandt, Charlie Dilley, Dick Hull, John Senge, Paul Geisler, Clarence Eck and Guy Cleaveland. THE BOUCHEY STACKER. Our illustration shows Al Bouchey, the inventor, at work on an invention that is endorsed by the largest ranchmen in Kansas. Sim- plicity and durability are features that commend the stacker and with the low price at which the machine is offered ought to insure Mr. Bouchey a just recompense for time and labor expended in per- fecting his invention. The testimonials are of the highest order and from men who write from an unbiased standpoint. Mr. Bouchey has already secured patents on two valuable inventions and has made ap- plication for another patent from which he expects to realize a hand- some income. He secured his patents through C, A. Snow & Co., of Washington, D. C. August Falk and Family. From left to right: Henry, Mr. Falk, Paul, Elmer, Mrs. Laur; Smith, Mrs. Falk, George and Rose. Family of Mr. Joseph Glotzbach, Sr. Joseph Glotzbach, Sr., and Margaret, his wife: Charles J. and Elizabeth, his wife, and children: Tony, Rose, George, Carl, Isador, Florian, Otto, Bernard and Martha; George Glotzbach and Elizabeth, his wife, and children: Joseph, Katie, John and Benno; Wm. Glotz- bach and Theresa, his wife, and children: Richard, Vincent and Eki- nore; Joseph Glotzbach and Christina, his wife, and children: Victor, Lily, Esther, Irene and Alphon; Lewis Seeling and Kate Glotzbach Seeling, his wife, and children; Rose Muckenthaler, daughter of Frank Muckenthaler, (deceased); William, Lizzie, Theresa and Mary Seeling; Valentine, Rosa and Mary Glotzbach (the later deceased). EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 359 Four Generations. Mr. A. G. Burgett, Mrs. W. S. McCauley, Mrs. II. B. Dallas and laughter. Five Generations. Mrs. C. Schwanke, Mrs. P. F. Johnson, Mrs. Henry Kriegenhardt, Mrs. Lena Dcppish and daughter. All living and enjoying good health. A Group of Good Fellows. From left to right: George Eckles, C. E. Edlin, W. H. Sparling, W. T. Eckles, F. W. Edlin, R. L. Hershberger and Niles Mossman. ESKRIDGE CORNET BAND. From left to right: Back line— Geo. Eckles, Arthur Moore, Ed- gar Bowden, C. E. Edlin, F. W. Edlin, J. H. Lee, J. W. Barnett. Middle line— Jesse Reynard, Walter Warren, A. B. Hartman, J. T. Mills, C. M. Lowry, J. J. Mitchell, Jr., J. R. Hauschildt. Drummers —George D. West and J. W. Robertson. WOODMAN TEAM, HARVEYVILLE. From left to right: First tier— L. C. Lewis. S. G. Cantrill, Wil- liam Boatwright, Harry King. Second tier— Everett Yoacnm, O. B. Cantrill, Bert Grigsby. Third tier— Lee Heinlein and Dr. L. A. Walker. CONRAD HESSE AND FAMILY. From left to right: First tier— John, Nicholas, Bernard, Adam, Prank and Joseph. Second tier— Lawrence. Matilda, Mr. and Mrs. Hesse, Mary, Philip and Louisa. LADY MACCABEES. From left to right: First tier— Miss Carrie Mover. Mrs. Alfred Umbehr, Miss Laura Times, Mrs. Tena Mongerson, Miss Rosa Eck. llf l tier— Mrs. J. II. McMahan, Mrs. Malt. Thomson, Mrs. 1. B. Hastings, Mrs. J. B. Gibson and Mrs. T. N. Walls. 360 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. OUR COUNTY AND SCHOOLS, 1886. Engraved from a drawing by Matt Thomson. Shows sketch of every schoolhouse in the county at date of drawing, (1886). with pos- sibly one or two exceptions, every building erected for school purposes since 1886 will be found in the list of illustrations. The size of the original drawing is 20x24. TABLEAU— THE FAIRIES. From left to right: Elsie Richter, Jeannette Watts, Eva Bernard, Marie Fields. Kneeling — Rosa Falk and Nannie Busenbark. FAMILY OF MR. WILLIAM MAAS. From left to right: First tier— Mrs. Dora Schaal, Fred, Adolf, Richard and Mary Schmitz. Second tier — Ida, Mr. Maas, Charlie, Willie, Mrs. Maas and Alice. FAMILY OF MR. GUS THIERER. From left to right: Frank, Mamie, George, John, Mr. Theirer, Lottie and Mrs. Theirer. M. E. CHURCH, ALMA, 1880. Built in 1878, when sidewalks were almost unknown in Alma. For years the church stood solitary and alone — no trees or buildings near. Rev. Geo. E. Nicholson was pastor when the church was built. Prior to that service had been held in the court house and school house by Revs. Kirkman, Lord, McNair, and B. Frank Smith. The money required to build the church was raised entirely by subscription. Mr. C. M. Rose had charge of the building, as foreman, while the work was being done. The parsonage was built for a residence by Mr. Ben Hoskinson, sheriff, in 1875, and bought by the church in 1877— before the church was built. After Mr. Nicholson came Revs. Parlette, Collins, Kendall, Murray. Browning, Smith, Meeks, Baker, Johnson, Nathan, Dennis, Young, Marsh, Elliott, Bernard, and the present minister, Rev. Gibson. The bell in the M. E. church was the first church bell in Alma. The first funeral in the church was that of Mrs. C. M. Rose, on January 30, 1879. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. MR. AL BODCHEY, THE INVENTOR, Maple Hill, at work on his hay-stacker. HOTEL WINDLER, Maple Hill. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. FIRST HOME OF MR. MICHAEL FIX, 1856. Near Volland, MR. CHARLES DAILEY'S EXPRESS LINE IN 1886. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. HOME OF MR. ANDREW BELL, Kaw Township. RANCH HOME OF MR. J. W. NAYLOR, near Alta Vista. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. E™. BBBBMMBBI MR. AUGUST ZECKSER'S RESIDENCE AND FARM BUILDINGS, near Alma ST. MARY'S BRIDGE. WAMEGO BRIDGE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. OUT FOR A ROUND-UP. RESIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM WAUGH, ESKRIDGE. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. i*^-f & EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. HERD OF POLAND-CHINA SWINE. Bred by Mr. Herman Arndt, Templin. HERD OF DUROC-JERSEYS. Bred by Mr. H. W. Steinmeyer, Volland. RESIDENCE OF MR. CARL STEINMEYER, Illinois Creek. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. HERD OF HEREFORDS, FOWLER'S RANCH, Maple Hill. T H~ ."-•' •1' -' - MM B i*i2§j&m RURAL SCENE ON THE FOWLER RANCH, Maple Hill. EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. AN OLD-TIME FENCE. When the only cow was picketed out. THE SPIRIT OP '76, Or escaped from the German army -by being born in the United States. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. IST- 4 1 &\-\**M ALMA. CEMETERY, 1901. STREET SCENE AT CHICASHA, OPENING OF THE KIOWA LANDS. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 3 1 G. Ar. R. Posts. ED. LINES POST, ALMA. W. Chillson, Commander. E. A. Kilian, Adjutant. E. A. Killiau, Oo. A, 1st, Reg, Mo. Light Artillery; P. O. Alma, Kan. Gunshot wound right forearm, Wilson Oreek, Aug. 10, '61. James Carroll, Oo. P, 147th Ohio, Inf., P. O,, Alma, Kan. Injury, left ankle, Oalesta, N. O. Joseph Fields, Oo. D, 79th Ohio, Inf., P. O., Topeka Kan. Fred Crafts, 1st Lieut., 1st Indian Reg't, P. O., Alma, Kan. John T. Keagy, Oo. D, 101 Penn, Inf. ; P. O., Alma, Kan, Injury, left leg, Fair Oaks, Va„ May 31. '62. M. W. Rock, 15th Kan. Oav. ; P. O., Tecumseh, Ok, S. H. Fairfield, Oo. K, 11th Kan. Oav. : P. O.. Alma, Kan. Edwin Herrick, Oo. H, 14th Penn., Oav. ; P. O., Seattle; ,vash. Adolph Hnkammer, Co. B. 2nd Kan.. Inf. ; Oo. K. 11th Kan. Oav., P. O,, Alma, Kan. Lance thrust in back, North Platte bridge, July 20, '65, T. N. Watts, Oo. E. 32nd 111.. Inf., P. O., Alma, Kan. A. W. Gregory, Oo. L, 11th Kan. Cav., P. O., Alma, Kan. S T Wright, Oo 0, 13th N J Inf, Sergeant; Address unknown. Charles Hen3el, Oo F, 11th Mo Oav., Corporal, Colorado Springs, Col. Charles Fairfield. Co D, 38th N Y Inf, and Oo K, 17th N Y Inf. Oapt. address unknown Gunshot in right shoulder, Dec 21, '62. W T Mahan, Oo E, 11th Kan, Oav,P O, St. Louis, Mo; Gunshot in head, Shelby Road, Dec '64. Charles Ross, Oo F, 2nd Kan, Oav. Sergeant, P O, Santa Ana, Oal. W A Doolittle, Co K, 5th Iowa, inf, P O Wesley, Iowa. W W Cone, Oo E. 13th N Y, P O. Mo. Wm Bandel, Oo F, 11th Kan, Oav, Bugler, P O, Alma, Kan. J R Fix, Oo D. 20th Indiana Inf, P O, Volland, Kan. Robert Kath, Oo H, 145th N Y, Inf. P O. unknown. Geo M Keene, Oo L, 17th Mass, Inf, Corporal, P O, Hartford, Oonn. L J McOrumb, Co F 83d Pa, Inf, and Oo A. 14th Pa, Oav, Corporal, P O, McFarland, Kan. David Palmer, Co A, 6th Iowa, Inf, Sergeant, Address unknown. T S Spielman, Baltimore Battery and Mo Light Artillery, P O, Alma. Kan. Wm H Lyons. Oo B. 11th N Y Inf. Corporal, P.O. Alma, Kan. Geo D Ensign, Oo K, 11th Kan, Oav, P O, Topeka, Kan. Hiram Keyes, Oo K, 11th Kan, Oav, Address unknown. Thomas H Perkins, Oo H, 78th 111 Inf, P O, Wamego, Kan, Orcilla M Yaw, Oo G, 8th Iowa, Inf, address unknown. Marcellus Yaw. Oo F, 32nd Iowa, Inf, and Oo G, 8th Iowa Inf, address unknown. C M Rose, Oo K, 19th Mich, Inf, Corporal. P O, Alma. Kan; Gunshot wound right leg and left hand, Thompson's Station, May 3 '63 and Dallas, Ga, May 25, '65. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. A G Murray, Oo G, 51st Ind, Inf, 1st Lieut; P O, Oklahoma City, Ok. W T DeArmond, Oo A, 26th Ohio, Inf. Corporal, P O, Alma, Kan. Sylvester Hiner, Oo D, 15th W, Va., Inf, P O, Volland, Kan. E W Ames, Oo 0, 15th 111, Inf, P O, Belvue, Kan. W H Morrison, Oo E, 86th Ind, Inf, P O, Topeka, Kan. S B Madden. Oo H, 80th Ohio, Inf, Paxico, Kan. J B Stephens, Oo B, 7th Iowa, Inf. Sergeant. Samuel Sutton, Oo O, 97th Ohio, Inf. and Oo F, 97th Ohio. Jacob Wilt, 1st Ohio, Battery, P O, Paxico. D W Johnson. Oo F, 85th Ind, Inf. Musician, P O, Alma. G P Tiffany, Oo B, 52nd Pa, Inf, P O, Topeka, Kan. S V Fair, Oo E, 30th Ind. Inf, P O Alma, Kan. A K Winkoop, P O, Topeka, Kan. Wm Feaghans, Oo F. 188th Ohio, Inf, P O. Belknap, 111. Daniel Stotler, Oo E. 8, heavy artillery. P O, Alma. Kan. A A Grigsby, Topeka, Kan. John E Allen, Oo 1 124th U S 0, Inf, Alma, Kan; Skull split open and crushed in by saber stroke. Bayonet thrust through body and musket ball through right leg etc, etc, etc. John Lucas, Alma, Kan. Lebanon Gardenhire' Oo E, 9th USO, Inf, and Oo C, 3rd U S O. Inf, Alma. Kan. Frank Bevel, Alma. Kan. ALTA VISTA POST, NO. 60. M. W. Case, Commander. L. J. Woodard, Adjutant. L J Woodard G W Kiger W A Kiger B H Smith J Oleaveland J W Spencer Also Robort Cooper Geo W Snodgrass Warren Ford Augustus L Orton David Widner Geo W Wilson John A Morrett Percival Hawes Wm T Tolbert Jas A Fisher T J Wilson Also Lieut 29th 27th 47th 7th 59th 16th 42nd 63rd 92nd 88th 47th 47th 13th 40th 12th 60th D9I 108th 126th 10th U 9 Ohio 111 Mo 111 Ohio 111 Ind Iowa Ind O 111 N Y Oav Inf, A V O V I Inf Inf Inf AltaVista Kan Topeka Beman " Mo Council Grove K. Alta Vista Kan Mo " Kan Ind re-enlisted, died Council Grove Ks Alta Vista Kan and K 23d O Inf Oklahoma Alta Vista Kan Oav Mo HARVEYVILLE POST. M P Early O Levi Stanley, serg, O RD Lewis F Geo L Horton, corp A Asa Garter O ' Edwin Symes K W O Holliday, lieut O Carey Walton A M Harvey Alf Holmes Stephen J Spear J W Turner 181st 14th 60th 83rd 193rd 76th 116th 2nd 1st 79th 8th Ohio Kan Ohio Ind Ohio 111 Ind Kan Kan Ohio Vol Kan Inf Oav Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf Inf Harveyville, Kan, EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 363 J H Zabriske G 47th Ill Inf E Parnell, eorp'I A 72 nd 111 Inf W E Riehey, serg't A 15th Ohio Inf Hiram McPherson D 79th Ohio Inf Wm M Myers, serg't A 80th Ohio Inf Wm Anderson D 137th Ind Inf J J Sisson D 13th Iowa Inf E H McMillen F 1st. Wis Cav wm. Mckinley post, no. 133, wabaunsee. M. McKelvey, Commander. IT. A. Pehry, Adjutant. \ M McKelvey G 15th N Y heavy Art A W Talcott 10th 111 Oav A A Oottrell 10th 111 Cav M Fairbanks G 9th Kan Oav Mark Shocknessy I 28th Iowa Inf Geo Kramer K 11th Kan Cav JO Chapman NY Inf A Doremus 23rd Ind E T Kincaid D 1st Kan Oav Wm Osmer F 2nd Kan Oav L Newell A 2nd Kan Oav T A St John G 11th Kan Oav Vint Russell R T Perry A 1st Tenn Inf John Zerbe 12th NY Art JBDay A 25th Ohio Inf Gorden Byers B 6th W Va Inf J W Dorman Ohio Inf H A Perry E 11th Kan Oav John Smith L 11th Kan Oav Wabaunsee Kan. G. A. R. POST, NO. 348, ROCK CREEK. Frank Ludlow, Commander. I. Singer, Adjutant. Frank Ludlow H O Sprague, I Singer, adj. Samuel Shire Allen Nixon Joseph Cooper John Smith James Fomes Wm A Gray O G Reynolds WW Dow 2nd Ohio Inf 7th Mo Cav 54th 111 Inf 2nd Wis 20th Iowa 112th III 11th Pa 5th Pa Chalk. 364 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. W. H. EARL POST, ESKRIDGE. A. Gr. Bttrgett, Commander. Robert Simmons, Adjutant. Co W H Mills, Elkanah Eckles " G E Guthrie Wm Gallagher " Robert Simmons John P Hettinger ' W M Johnson A M Kasson F M Meredith W E Little D C Moreland A G Burgett Moritz Kraus ' W O Cook Drayton Gillett C Cook John I Little A Oadwalader ' Eli Tucker, G W Gillis S E Hull Mark Dill G R Kinzy John Stadler W Merser I T Earl G W Hughes A F Wade W C Mossman Samuel Chapman Joseph Little Hezekiah Quick E J Daily John Cousins J B Montgomery H O McKee M Jester ' Albert D Fuller T B Henry O H Ford S L Allen H G Mace J H Ruble Francis Warren W H Shumate John W Wendell U S C. L. A A G G A B D B D E K D A C H D G O ' I ' D ' B • B 1 A ' E ' H 1 H • H ' B " D ' C ' C ' B ' I ' F ' A ' B H B ' D • F Navy 44th 8th 29th 1st 17th 142d 18th 18th 134th 1st 12th 78th 11th 137th fith 47th 152nd 5th 44th 6th 26th 25th 152nd 128th 1st 57th 4th 14th 14th 140th 83d 26th 17th 21st 53rd 3rd 114th 16th 7th 36th 135th 8th 48th 1st 1st Kearsarj 111. Mo, Ind R. I. Ill lnd Mo Wis Ind Wis Kan 111 Kan 111 O 111 Pa Mo Mass O O Iowa Ind Ind WVa Ind Mich Pa Pa O Pa Ind 111 Iowa 111 Mo O Iowa Iowa 111 Pa Iowa Iowa Mo Iowa Inf, Mil, Inf Inf Cav Inf Inf Inf Inf Cav Inf Inf Inf Inf Bat Inf Inf Cav Inf Art Inf Inf Cav Cav Inf Inf Cav Inf Cav Inf Inf Cav Inf Inf Cav Cav Bat P. O. Eskridge. Kan. Alma Eskridge Halifax Topeka e, Winslow and Alabama, Eskridge EARLY HISTORY OP WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 365 REV.SCHMID'S CONFIRMATION CLASS. From left to right: Amelia Heder, Henry Redemske, Lizzie Maike, Henry Grunewald, Freda Stuewe, (Rev.. Schmid), Emma Brasche, Robert Weber, Carrie Schmanke and Emma Schmanke. FRED ZEFERJAHN Was born at Kreis, Templin, Germany. Came to America direct to Kansas in 1871. In 1885 was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Gebrt, to which union twelve children were born — nine of whom are living: August, Louisa, Herman, William, Fred and Pauline, (twins), Ferdinand, Adolph and Walter. Owns a fine farm of over 700 acres of good land. Raises cattle, hogs, grain, etc. Is a successful farmer and one of our substantial citizens. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ALMA, Was chartered October 2, 1880. Foundation for a stone building completed November 3rd. The church, (a frame building), was dedi- cated August 28, 1881. Cost, $2700. Rev. D. B. Scott was the first pastor, entering upon his duties in May, 1870— more than ten years prior to the building of the church. Pastors following in their order were: Revs. R. M. Tunnell, Morris Officer, Harvey Jones, Hiram Myers, J. R. Pryor, John Scott, who built the church and was four years pastor, C. S. Marvin, W. C. Wheeler, D. R. Steiner, Geo. Ket- tering, J. E. Kirkpatrick and C. W. Turrell, the present pastor. RURAL MAIL ROUTES Have been established as follows: Route No. 1, Maple Hill, estab- lished April. 1, 1901, Wm. Boyles, carrier; Route No. 1, Eskrldge, es- tablished April 15, 1901, E. S. Graves, carrier; Route No. 2, Eskridge, established April 15, 1901, W. C. Cook, carrier; Route No. 3, Eskridge, established April 15, 1901, W. H. Moore, carrier; Route No. ], Paxico, established April 15, 1901, Charlie Hund, carrier. THE FIRST LOG HOUSE. Page 141. Was doubtless built by the McDaniel gang. They carried water from the same spring used by George Harvey. This path to the spring and to the top of Hodgson's hill was plainly visible for years after the first settlers came. The gold was dug up about ten years ago instead of five. Mr. Asa Gookins kept the hotel at Harveyville at the time. 366 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. CATHOLIC CHURCH, ALMA, Was built in 1875. Prior to that time services were held at the homes of the members, tne Jesuit fathers of St. Marys attending to the spiritual wants of the people. Father Hundhausen was the first regular priest, his regular pastorate beginning in 1880 and continuing till 1891. Then came Father Hohe, who remained one year. Father Bollwig remained two years and six months, Father Cihal filling out the unexpired year. Rev. Father Kamp came March 30, 1896, and bas since continued to minister to the spiritual needs of his people. The first church was built in 1875 and was destroyed by fire February 6, 1899. The corner stone of the new church was laid August 17, the bell was blessed November 6, and the new church dedicated December 19. 1899. Right Rev. Bishop Fink, of the diocese of Leavenworth, be- ing present and conducting the impressive ceremonies. The parson- age was built in 1881. The altar in the new church and the interior decorations are the handsomest in the county. See section 8 for por- traits and illustrations. DARLING'S FERRY Was a busy place in the fifties. It was opposite Uniontown and provided the only means of crossing the Kaw river, except at low stages of water, when the boat wasn't needed. Among those who assisted in running the ferry in 1854-5 was J. P. Gleich, who, in the latter year, took a claim on Mill creek just north of Joseph Thoes'. Darling had a monopoly of the ferry business for many years, but with immigration came the demand for a ferry at the big bend and Dar- ling left for the Indian Territory where he went into the hotel busi- ness at Shawnee. WABAUNSEE COUNTY IN 1901 Contained 1786 farms; acres fenced, 380,994; not fenced, 6,034; acres in Corn, 95,209: Wheat, 6,444; Oats, 3,148; Irish Potatoes, 1,145; Sweet Potatoes, 607; Flax, 746; Buckwheat, 257; Sorghum, for syrup, 225; Sorghum, for forage, 3,495; Kaffir Corn, 11,883; Alfalfa, 8,978; Clover. 990: Blue Grass, 389; Timothy, 266; Prairie Pasture, 144,404 acres; Pounds of butter made by families, 352,355; In factory, 5,243; IN umber of horses, 9,169; Mules, 700; Cows, 10,701; Other cattle, 42,- 350; Swine, 33,713; Value of animals sold for slaughter in 1901, $2,298,- 047; Number of apple trees in bearing, 115,021; Peach trees, 33,553. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. . i In one respect, at least, the farming classes of our county in tl early days differed from those of the present— in that no farm mt chinery was left from one season to another in the fence corners whex last' used. The reasons are obvious: there were few fence corners anc less machinery. What little of the latter the farmers possessed was well taken care of. LUTHERAN CHURCH, ALMA, Was built in 1878, the Lutheran school house in 1890 and the new parsonage in 1901. For twenty years Rev. H. C. Senne was the resi- dent minister. He was followed by Rev. F. W. Pennekamp, and he by Rev. A. Schmid, the present pastor. For a number of years Mr. J. P. Emrich taught school in the frame building. Mr. Henry Al- brecht taught several years, followed by Prof . J. H. Meyer, the present teacher of the Lutheran school. See illustration, section 9, leaflet 6. EXPENDITURES FOR 1901. County Commissioners, $560; Bridges, $2,222.84; County Officers, $5,907.57; District Court, $611.90; Probate Court, $241; Sheriff and Bailiffs, $78.97; Jails and Prisons, $271.85; Coroners and Inquest, $72.55; Justices and Constables, $241.90; Poor Farm, $1,021.71; Outside of Poor Farm, $2,242.75; Fuels, Light, Repairs, Janitor and Watchman, $648.85; Assessors, $1,824; Books and Stationery, $919.86; Printing, $655.30; Insane, $242; Elections, $584.92; Bounty on Animals, $153; Road Purposes, $4,199.55; Miscellaneous, $1,208.93. Total, $23,909.65. Population of County (1901), 12,405; Acres in Poor Farm, 320. In statement of expenditures for 1860 (page 9), no better idea of the prosperity of the county could be given. Hundreds of bridges span the streams throughout the county, and every farm is in a high state of cultivation. School statistics: Number of School Districts, 88: Teachers re- quired, 101; Different teachers employed: Males, 49, Females, 58, Total, 107; Average wages: Male teachers, $43; Female teachers, $39.42; Av- erage weeks school term, 29; Number of school buildings, 92; Rooms, 103; Number persons of school age, (5 to 21 years), 4,591; Pupils en- rolled, 3,329; Average attendance, 2,139. ERRATA. M. E. church, Harveyville, Sec. 5 L 6, should read M. E. church, Bradford. Mr. Martin Muckenthaler came to Kansas in '69, instead of '59, as stated in his biography. The smallpox in 1871 should read in 1872. -,8 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. JEWELS OF THE HOUSEHOLD. (1), Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Taylor, Eskridge; (2), Ruth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Henderson, Alma; (3). Clayton, son of Dr. and Mrs. M. F. Trivett, Eskridge; (4). Clyde, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Campbell, Eskridge; (5). Bessie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Copp, Paxico; (6). Agnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Palenske, Mountain Home, Arkansas; (7). Milford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brady, Paxico; (8). Leo. son of Mrs. Theresa Home, Alma; (9). Forest and Raymond, two young blacksmiths, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Baker, Eskridge; (10). Johnnie, son of Mr. and Mrs. Matt. Thomson, Henderson, Arkansas; (11). Helen, daughter of Dr. T. N. Watts, Alma; (12). Hal, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Weaver, Alma; (13). Hazel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Roush, Alma; (14). Charlie and Florence, son and daughter of Dr. and Mrs. O. E. Webb, Paxico; (15). Ross and Beryl, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dow Busenbark, Eskridge; (16). Ruth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Simon, Jr., Alma; (17). Celina, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schmidt, Alma; (18). Murray, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Barnes, Alma; (19). Agnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Kinne, Alma; (20). Emily and Albert, daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wilson, Alma; [21). Gladys, daughter of Mrs. Nellie Dilley, Paxico; (22). LeMyra, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Seaman, Alma; (23). Clarence, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Meyer, Alma; (24). Addie and Theresa, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Frey, Alma; (25). Florence, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Winkler, McFarland; (26). Laurine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schroeder, Alma; (27). Leo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Treu, Halifax; (28). Augusta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Utermann, Alma. One of the objects of this history is to acquaint the people of to- day with the conditions that were the rule in the past; of the time when a drouth in Kansas meant scanty raiment and a slender diet: of the days when bedsteads were double deckers and when curtains served as partition walls to separate the two or more families com- pelled to occupy the one room or sleep out of doors with the broad canopy of Heaven for a covering; of the seemingly endless days of weary watching and waiting by the bedside of a fever stricken father or mother, brother or sister, hoping against hope, until the spirit had flown to God, who gave it— to that home where pain and sickness are unknown and where Death shall never come. EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. INDEX. BIOGRAPHIES. Allendorph, A. S — Arndt, Rudolph Arndt, Herman Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Anna *. Barnes, J. B Barlow. J. N Buchli, B., Sr. * Buchli, B., Jr Bell, Andrew Baldwin, S. A Berrotb, Geo. * Busenbark, Dow Burgett, Chas. H Brasche, Dr. August *. Beals, Dr. Guy C Burt, Geo. S Burroughs, Waldo G. . . Copp, John * Copp, C. C Chillson, "Waters Channell, H. B Chester, Dr. O. S Christy, L. M Carroll, James Cottrell, A. A Clayton, D. F Cornell, G. G Connell, Geo. S Connell, J. V Cantrill, S. G , Campbell, Ed L Doolittle, W. A Daum, Mrs. Walpurge *. Drebing. Wm. * Deans, W. D. * Dieball, Wm Dailey, Chas Davis, C. L Eck, J. M. * Earl, Wm. H., Sr. *. Earl, Chas. N. * , Early, M. P Eckles, W. T Fix, Robert Falk, August Frey, Fred, Jr Fields, J. B Fairfield, S. H Fauerbach, Henry Fechter, Geo. A Gardiner, C. C Gardner, D. M Gillis, G. W Guth, Robert Glotzbach, Joseph, Sr. ♦Died. 221 243 313 270 270 253 307 223 234 242 254 269 263 270 299 307 292 290 258 295 237 240 253 255 260 261 267 293 287 284 285 312 222 228 229 257 267 282 281 282 294 298 306 269 245 259 268 271 262 254 285 251 266 281 312 301 Glotzbach, C. J 294 Graves, Henry * 3t'0 Grimm, Henry 304 Hesse John * 354 Henderson, J. C 251 Henderson, C. B 302 Henderson, J. R - 252 Hund, Michael * 235 Hund, Philip, 301 Home, Jacob * 236 Home, Wm., Sr 261 Home, Louis* 355 Horton, Geo. L 308 Hull, S. E 244 Hanson, August 297 Harris, S. M 310 Hinshaw, W.J 306 Hesse, Conrad * 308 Hodgson, Frank 291 Hall, G. G * 353 Janes, M. W. . . 248 Jones, J. H... 225 Jones, A. A 289 Johnson, James E. * 284 Johnson, J. M 267 Jester, M 296 Jordon, A. M 268 Keagy, John T 233 Krapp, Edward 249 Kilian, E. A 240 Kuenzli, Christian * 265 Kratzer, John Adam * , 270 Klockman, Mary Louisa.. 230 Lee, J. M 264 Licht, H. G 232 Lafontaine, Jos 239 Lowry, C. M 263 Leonard, P. E 263 Lines.C B. * 264 Lines, E C. D. * 281 Lyons, W. H 286 Lawlor.J.H 298 Mann, Ed 239 Maine v, Thos 259 Meier,' Franz 238 Meier, G. H 266 Meyer, August * 250 Mears, Andrew 308 Maas, Wm 297 Moore, EdwinF 293 Mitchell, J. J 249 Millison, D. U 226 McWilliams, Michael 244 Muckenthaler, Martin 246 Muckenthaler, Albert 293 Muckenthaler, Joseph 312 Muckenthaler, Chas 266 EAELY HISTOEY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Mock, John Michaelis, Henry, Sr. *. Michaelis, J. H McCrumb, L. J McCormick, Ross Morris, Ira L Mueller, Rev. J. H Meredith, F. M Maguire, Patrick * Mossman, J. W.* Noller, Gottlieb Oliver, Thos Oehms, Herman B Palenske, Louis Palenske, H. J.. Pringle, Andrew, Sr. *. Pringle, Wm Prothrow, Wm Perry, T. J Palmer, Mark Phillips, Allen *... Peterson, John * Rice, L. T Rose, C. M .. Roush, Wyatt Rogge, Wm Raymond, Fredrick L. Ronnau, Henry * Rinehart, W. M Robertson, J. W Richards, L Rickershauser, Frank. Reynard, Peter * Spielman, T. S Seaman, F. A Schmitz. Henry * Schmitz, Oscar Schmidt, Franz Smith, Dr. W. H. H.. . Smith, Dr. C. E Shaw, H. C Shaw, S. D Schewe, Anton Schepp, Louis Sturdy, E Steinmeyer, Fred, Sr. Steinmeyer, H. W 'Died. 292 290 291 258 266 271 272 293 297 306 240 312 295 299 224 264 282 257 239 271 286 289 227 238 294 244 253 265 269 265 311 353 226 22g 234 272 245 312 233 310 310 295 258 296 283 285 Simmons, P. P 232 Simmons, Robert 255 Schulthies, H. * 237 Sutherland, George 256 Sage, Mark 241 Schwanke, John * 256 Sudweeks, John 268 Snyder, Joseph 272 Sanford, E. H. * 296 Shoecraf t, Emerson S 307 Silbermann. J. J ... 312 Strowig, Robert 312 Strowig, A. R 300 Sweeney, Michael 309 Thomson, James L. * 309 Thompson, Geo. W. * 222 Thompson, H. P. * 283 Thompson, Chas. H 301 Trivett. M. F 256 Thayer, Albert F 246 Thierer, Gus 261 True, Alden E 288 Treu, Joseph 287 Treu, Wm. * 353 Thoes, Peter * 283 Trusler, Wm. 305 Taylor, Amos T 270 Undort, H. J. * 303 Undorf, Louis 302 Utermann, August , 287 Worsley, E 303 Waugh, J. Y 299 Wade, A. F 305 Woody, P. L 236 Woody, Mrs. P. L. * 236 Woodard, L. J 250 Webb, O. E 312 Weed, S. R 288 Weaver, W. G 304 Ward, Hiram * 224 Winkler, John 260 Walker, Dr. L. A 284 Whitlock, W. S 29i Wolgast, August 353 Williams, W. S. * 354 Welfelt, Abe 354 Welfelt, Sam 224 Zeferjahn, Fred 365 GENERAL rNT>EX. Auld Lang Syne 2 Avenged 106-7 Address by Matt Thomson at Harvey ville 121 Anderson, Bill, A Raid by . . .^ 139 AlmaSalt Works 314 Alma Volunteer Band 356-358 Brower, J. V 48-68 Bill Cole's Last Drive 104 Bossy Solved the Problem 148 Baf nes, J. B , Residence 278 Bridge, Double Arch 278 Bouchey Stacker, The 358 County Records, Items from 6 Cattle, Wealth in 27 Cattle Car, Free Ride in 29 Court, Attendiug, in the Sixties. 31 Cheyenne Raid. A 46 Coronado's Expedition 52 Catholic Church. Alma 306 Congregational Church, Alma... 365 County Seat Question. 74 Confirmation Classes, Rev. Ramp's 273 Rev. Wieners' 357 Rev. Schmid's. 365 Court Reminiscence, A 313 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. in Chickasha, Street Scene 355 Davis Bros.' Ranch, Scene on 356 Darling's Ferry 366 Education, Interested in 61 Educational Exhibit, An 65 Ethnologic History 68 Election Returns 166-201 Eiiot Church 278 Eskridge Cornet Band 359 Expenditures for 1901 367 Palk, August, and Family 358 Ferry, Wabaunsee 16 Fences, Our Stone 73 Fence, An Old-Time 164, 280 Farming Experience, Some 90 Fairies, The 360 Frontier History, A Bit of 118 Fooks-Miller Feud 162 Flood, A Big 163 Family, An Interesting 275 Glotzbach, Joseph, and Family.. 858 G. A. R. Posts 361 Good Fellows, A Group of 359 Ground Floor, On the 99 Geni us, Our , in Limbo 30 Germans, A Tribute to the 41 Generations, Five 359 Generations, Four 359 Goat Curiosity 216. Hesse, Conrad, and Family 359 Historical 4 Historical Notes 315 History, A Bit of Frontier 118 He Gathered Them In 71 Hunter's Paradise, A 77 Home, Our First, in Kansas 110 Haying at Chris Langvardt's 274 Halifax Station 275 Harvey ville, Main Street 277 Innocent Abroad, An 33 Ice, Breaking the 45 Iron Horse, No, Then 49 Infant Industries Ill Indians in Alma in 1881 277 Jewels of the Household 368 Jail Deliveries, Some 37 Kindness Remembered 114 Log House, The First 141 Liederkranz, The Alma 273, 355 Landmark, An Old 273 Luteran Church, Alma 367 M. E. Church, Alma :. 360 Marriages, Some Early 13 Me Killee Palenske 23 Murder, Was It? 24 Mule Brigade. Charge of the 88 McFarland Murderers and their Victims 149 Mexican Burros 213 Miscellany. 92 Mistake, Was it a? 97 Marion's First School 117 McFarland, Double Murder at... 151 Mitchell, Frank, Murder of 155 Muehlenbacher Murder 157 Mexican Oven and Adobe House. Mexican Fandango, At a Maccabees, Officers of Maas, Wm. , and Family Not at Home Newspaper History Narrow Escape, A Newbury Band Odds and Ends Oil Excitement Officers, County, Elected Out Serving a Writ Out for a Round-up Old Stage Station at Elm Creek Our County and Schools, 1886 Our First Visitors Preface Pem-Co- Wye repays a Kindness Precious Pair, A Pioneer, How He lived Pierre, The Capital Pawnee Raid, A Poyntz Avenue in 1866 Press, Items from the Preparing for a Raid Queen Remarkable and Eccentric Reminiscence, A. Resources, Our Rabbit Farm, A Returning to the Reservation. .. Rock Island Eating House Rock Island Bridge, Maple Hill.. Rural Mail Routes Richardson County, Map of Salt Works, Alma Smallpox in '71 Sam, The Lesson of Schools, Our Stone Fort at Templin Santa Fe Trail, The old Stuewe Bros. ' Creamery Smith Brothers, Killing of the Thomas, John Tarantula, Bitten by a Telephone Exchange, The Mc- Mahan Tenderfoot, the Thierer, Gus, and Family Turkey Mountains, In the Uncle Sam's Kids, One of Unpleasantness, A Little Unmarked Grave, An Visitors at the Ranch Vigilance Committee, Our First. "Wooh" Wrote his Sentiments Words, Last Wagon Shop, The First White Shirt, The First Were Their Fears Groundless. . . Warning, A Timely Wilmington Woodman Team, Harvey ville... Wabaunsee County 1901 Wabaunsee County 1882, Map of 216 133 359 360 98 351 40 357 50 40 201 276 356 204 52 108 8 22 25 42 81 104 275 323 141 115 19 32 44 91 28 277 280 365 16 18 39 53 113 205 276 205 17 38 150 360 209 93 108 149 357 145 47 62 64 70 69 72 136 274 359 3C6 8 IV EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRAITS. Explanation: First section faces page 20, second faces page 40, etc. Ten leaflets in each section. Sec. L. Abele, Rev 1 6 Arndt, Rudolph 1 10 Arndt, Herman 3 9 Anderson, Anna. 3 9 Allendorph, A. S 2 3 Boll wig, Rev 8 6 Bell, Andrew 1 4 Baldwin, S. A 1 7 Buchli, B.,Sr 2 3 Buchli, B.,Jr 2 4 Busenbark, Dow 2 2 Brasche, Mr and Mrs. Aug 1 1 Burgett, Chas., and> Wife 2 10 Beals, G. C 4 4 Barnes. J. B 4 8 Barlow J.N 5 l Beutel. Aug 5 2 Burt, Geo. S 5 3 Berroth, Geo., and Wife — 5 4 Burroughs, W. G., and Family. . 6 10 Burgett, A. G., four Generations 7 4 Bourassa, Nellie 7 6 Cihal, Rev 8 6 Copp, John 1 3 Clayton, D. F„ 2 5 Channell, H. B 2 7 Campbell, Ed 2 9 Connell, George S., and Wife.... 2 10 Cook, W. C 3 3 Cottrell, A. A 3 5 Christy, Lynn M. 4 2 Clothier, George L 4 3 Chillson, Waters 4 8 Cornell. G. G 4 8 Cantrill, S. G 5 5 Crouch, W. S 11 1 Droege, Gus 1 10 Drebing, Wm 2 6 Deans, W. D 3 4 Dieball, Wm„ and Wife 5 4 Davis, Chet 5 5 Drumm Bros 3 8 Eck, J. M 3 6 Earl,W.H.,Sr 7 7 Earl, C.N 3 10 Early, M. P., and Wife 5 1 Eckles, W. T 2 8 Fix, Mr. and Mrs. Michael 1 2 Fix, J. R., and Family 6 1 Fix, Amanda 3 l Falk, Aug.. and Family 6 2 Fairfield. S. H 2 2 Frev, Fred 2 5 Fields, Joseph 7 9 Fields, J. B 2 7 Fechter, Geo 4 10 Gleich, J. P., and Wife 1 ! Graves, Henry 4 9 Gardner, D. M., and Family 7 l Sec. L. Gardiner, C C 2 9 Glotzbach, Joseph, and Family. . 6 5 Hess John l 6 Henderson, J. C 4 1 Henderson, C. B 2 3 Henderson, J. R 4 5 Hund, Michael, Sr 2 6 Hankammer, John A 2 10 Home, Jacob 3 2 Home, Wm... 3 2 Hanson, Aug 3 4 Hubbard. J. M 3 5 Hall,G. G 3 Hull, S. E 4 8 Hinshaw, W. J 4 7 Horne, Mr. and Mrs. Louis 4 9 Horton, Geo. L 5 1 Harris, Isaiah 5 6 Harris, Mrs. Isaiah 5 6 Harris, S. M. , and Family 6 9 Hodgson, Frank 5 10 Hesse, Conrad, and Family 6 6 Hundhausen, Rev 8 6 Hohe.Rev 8 6 Janes. W. W 1 7 Jones, J. H 2 3 Jones. F. M 1 9 Jones, A. A 4 7 Johnson. James E.. and Wife — 4 5 Johnson, J. M 1 8 Johnson, Mrs. J. M 4 5 Jordon, A. M 4 1 Jester, M, 5 1 Keagy, J. T.... 4 4 Kamp, Rev 8 6 Kinne, C. 2 2 Kuenzli, C 1 3 Kratzer, Adam 2 10 Kettering, Geo 11 2 Klockman, Mary Louisa. 3 9 Krapp, Ed 5 5 Krenitz, Frank 7 10 Kettermann, Mr. and Mrs 5 4 Lafontaine, Joseph 2 4 Lines, C. B 3 3 Lines, E. J 3 7 Lines, E. C. D 5 3 Lowry, C. M 3 3 Licht, H. G 5 8 Leonard, P. E 4 10 Lawlor and Wife 4 6 Meyer, August 1 2 Meier, Franz 1 6 Meier, G. H 3 4 Mears, Andrew, and Wife 7 2 Maquire. Pat 1 9 McCormick, Ross 2 8 Mitchell, J.J 2 9 Mitchell. Wm 7 8 Millison, D. U., and Family 3 3 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Sec. Moasman, J. W 3 Morris, Ira L 4 Meredith, F. IvI.. aud Wife 4 Mann.. Ed 5 Moore, Ed. P 5 Meseke, Herman 5 Muckentbaler, M 5 Muckenthaler, Chas 5 Maas, Wm., and Family 6 Mock, John 6 McKelvey, Matt 7 McCoy, W. A 7 McMahan, J. H., (See Telephone Exchange.) Noller, Gottlieb 7 Newman, Harry 5 Oliver, Isabella Maple Hill 7 Oliver, Thomas 3 Oehmann, Frank 4 Pauly, L 1 Pringle, W 1 Perry, T. J 2 Perry, S. T 7 Palenske, Louis 3 Palenske, H. J 4 Palenske, Mrs. Fred 1 Palenske, Mrs. Louis 1 Palenske, Daisy Thomson 3 Phillips, Mr. and Mrs 1 Palmer, Mark.. 2 Prothrow, Wm 5 Peterson, John, and Wife 6 Raymond, Fred L 1 Rinehart, W. M 1 Roush, Wyatt 2 Richards, L 3 Robertson, J. W 2 Rose, CM 5 Ronnau, Henry 4 Reynard, Peter 3 Rickershauser, Frank 3 Schmitz, Henry 1 Schmidt, Franz 1 Schmidt, Frank 2 Schmitz, Oscar 2 Smith.W.H.H 3 Smith, C. E 3 Schmid, A 11 Silbermann, J. J 1 Sanford, E. H 1 Schewe, A 1 Spielman, T. S 2 10 Sec. Strowig, Robt 2 Seaman, Fred A 2 Simmons, P. P 2 Shoecraft, Emerson 3 Steiner, D. R li Scott, John 11 Scott, D. B 5 Schutter, Joseph 3 Sutherland, Geo 4 Shaw, H. C 4 Sturdy, E 4 Sage, Mark 4 Schepp, Louis 7 Steinmeyer, Fred. Sr.,and Wife. 7 Steinmeyer, H. W., and Wife.... 7 Schwanke, Mrs. C, (Five Gener- ations 6 Thomson, James L 3 Thompson, Geo. W 1 Thompson. H. P l Thomson, Matt, and Family 6 Treu, Joseph 1 Treu, Wm ... 3 True, A. E 4 Thayer, A. F 1 Thoes, Peter 1 Trivett, M. F .... 2 Taylor, Amos 2 Tunnell, R. M 11 Trusler, Wm 4 Thierer, Gus, and Family o Undorf , Louis 5 Utermann, August 4 Whittemore, N. H 1 Woody, P. L 2 Woody, Mrs. P. L 2 Woods, Samuel 3 Wade, A. F 4 Weed, S. R 4 Wiedemann, Frank 2 Winkler, John 3 Worslev, Ed 3 Williams, W. S 3 Wolgast, Aug 3 Waugh, J. Y 4 Weaver, W. G 4 Willard, J. F 4 Whitlock, W. S 5 Woodard, L. J., and Wife 5 Welfelt, Abe 5 Walton, Morris 7 Wieners, Rev 11 Zwanziger, G 1 CHURCHES. Baptist, Eskridge 8 7 Baptist, German, Alta Vista 8 9 Baptist, Eskridge 9 5 Baptist, Plumb 9 7 Baptist, Plumb. Mission Point. . . 10 5 Christian, Harveyville 5 6 Congregational, Wabaunsee 8 I Catholic, Newbury 8 3 Catholic, Alma, (Old.) 8 5 Catholic, Alma, (New.) 8 6 Congregational, Alma 9 5 Christian, Eskridge 9 9 Congregational, Maple Hill 11 1 Christian, Wilmington 14 4 Evangelical, Alma 9 5 Evangelical, Alma 10 7 Evangelical, Wells Creek 9 2 Lutheran, Alma 9 6 Lutheran, Kaw. : 8 4 Lutheran, Templin 9 1 Lutheran, (Swedish.) 9 3 if EA£ EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Abe Arr Ar. Ana Aller. Bolb Bell Bale- Bur Sec. L,. M. E., Alma 8 2 M. E., Bradford * 5 6 M. E., Kaw, 8 4 M. E., Paxico S 4 M. E., Wabaunsee 8 4 M. E.,Eskridge 8 7 M. E., Maple Hill 8 8 M. E., McFarland 8 8 M.E., Alta Vista 9 10 Sec. M. E., (German,) Rock Creek.... 10 M. E., Harveyville 10 M. E.. Washara 10 Presbyterian, (Reformed,) Esk- ridge 9 Presbyterian, (United,) Esk- ridge 9 Wesley an Methodist, Keene 9 *Harveyville— Incorrect. SCHOOL, HOUSES. AltaVista 13 Eskridge 8 McFarland 8 Paxico 10 Wabaunsee 10 District 2 District 3 District 7 District 9 District 11 District 12 District 14 District 15 9 3 District 16 9 District 23 9 District 30 10 District 35 10 District 44 10 District 45 9 District 47. District 48. District 56. District 59. District 66. District 71. District 86. 10 L. 2 10 10 See our County and Schools, 1882, facing page 52. Hotel Alma 13 Mrs. Beaubien's, Maple Hill 7 Commercial, Alma 14 HOTELS. 8 Denver House, McFarland 14 8 Paxico Hotel 5 7 Hotel Windier, Maple Hill 18 RESIDENCES. E Ei Ea. Ear Eel- Pi: Fi: Fh Fa Fa;' Fn Fi' Fi F' Arndt, Herman 16 8 Barnes, J. B 13 10 Bisbey, J. M 14 3 Barlow. J. N 16 6 Blanc, Frank 17 4 Bell, Andrew 18 3 Cornell, G. G 16 9 Carroll, C. E 14 9 Cassidy, J. B 15 3 Clayton, D. F 16 8 Davis,'C. L 15 9 Dierking, Fred 10 1 Drebing, Wm 17 3 Droege. Gus 17 5 Dieball, Albert 15 10 Dieball, Wm 16 3 Fix, J. R 15 10 Fix, Michael (First) 18 2 Fairfield, S. H 15 1 Grimm, Henry 16 7 Gilhs, G. W 16 5 Home, Wm., Jr 9 Home, Wm., Sr 17 Holman, Pete 10 Henderson, J. C 15 Henderson, J. R 15 Hund, Moritz 15 Hess, Otto 17 Hanson, August 17 Janes, M. W 16 Kinne, C. 15 Kuenzli, C 17 Mitchell, J. J 5 Mainey, Thomas 7 Melrose, W. H 10 Meinhardt, August 10 Meseke, A. H 14 Meyer, Mrs. E 15 Meyer's, (Mrs. E.) Store i Maas, William 16 McMahan, J. H 15 Mears, Andrew 16 Michaelis, J. H 16 Mucken thaler, Joseph 16 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY. KAN. Sec. L. Naylor, J. W 18 3 Ronnan, Henry 12 8 Reuter, Fred 15 3 Rickershauser, Wm 15 8 Rickershauser. Frank 17 6 Stuewe, F. and A 9 1 Stuewe, John 15 8 Schmidt, Frank 10 5 Schwalm, John 17 8 Stratton, C 10 l Spielman, T. S 14 9 Sutherland, George 15 5 Sturdy, E 15 7 Schroeder, Gus 15 8 Strowig, Robert 15 8 Strowig, A. R 16 10 Shaw, S. D 16 2 Sanford,E.H 17 7 Schewe, Anton 17 1 Steinmeyer, Carl 18 7 Sec True, A. E 10 Tod, W. J 10 Trivett, M. F 14 Tomson, C 15 Thomson, Matt 15 Thierer, Gus 16 Thoes, Joseph 17 Thowe, Chris 17 Thowe, Fred 17 Terrass, Jacob 17 Utermann, August 16 Winkler, Otto 10 Winkler, Arthur 14 Webb.O. E 15 Wade, A. F 16 Woodard, D. A 17 Waugh, Wm 18 Zeferjahn, Fred 16 Zeckser, Chas 17 Zeckser, August 18 MISCELLANEOUS. Allendorph's Ranch, Scene on. . . 18 Alma, View of 13 Alma in 1868 . 13 Alma Mill 17 Alma, Missouri Street 13 Alma, Missouri Street, '80 13 Alma National Bank. ■ 14 Alma from Santa Fe Depot 16 Alma, East Side MainaStreet 6 Alma Salt Works 9 AltaVista, Main Street 10 Band, Alma Volunteer 12 Band, Eskridge Cornet 12 Band, Newbury Philharmonic. 12 Band, Alma Volunteer 12 Buffalo in the Sixties 6 Bouchey, Al, at Work 18 Court House in 1880 13 Court House in 1902 14 Chickasha 18 Cemetery, Alma 18 Catholic Church and Parsonage 8 Confirmation Classes: Rev. Kamp's 11 Rev. Wiener's 11 Rev. Schmid's . 11 Creamery. Stuewe Bros' 9 Chalk Postofflce and Hall 10 Davis Bros.' Ranch 17 Davis Bros.' Ranch, Scene on 18 Dailey's Express, '86 18 Duroc-Jerseys, Herd of 18 Dedication, Alt a Vista 11 Eskridge, Looking North 13 Eskridge, Looking South 13 Eskridge, West Side Main street 7 Earl's Store, W. H 10 Floral Scene 11 Fence, An Old Time 18 9 Fowler's Ranch, Scene at 18 8 Fix, Samuel, Ranch Home in Colorado 7 1 Freeman Farm, Orchard on 7 7 Glotzbach's Store, Paxico 15 2 Graduating Class, Eskridge 12 10 Group of Good Fellows 12 10 Halifax, View of 13 3 Harveyville, Main Street 13 10 Herefords, Herd of 18 8 Haying at Chris Langvardt's 8 9 Interesting Family, An 12 9 Indians in Alma, in 1881 9 7 Janes' Barn, M. W 16 4 Jewels of the Household 7 5 Kinne & Keran's Block, Alma. .14 6 Liederkranz, Alma 12 7 Limerick & Crafts Block 14 8 Landmark, An Old 10 4 Maccabees, Officers of , 1901 12 5 Maple Hill, View of 13 1 McFarland in '94 13 4 McFarland in 1902 13 5 Maple Hill, West Side Main Street 14 1 Maple Hill, East Side 14 1 Morlan's Quarry 10 1 Out Serving a Writ -.12 9 Paxico, View of 13 2 Paxico Main Street 14 2 Poor Farm, View of 14 3 Poyntz Avenue in '66 15 1 Poland Chinas, Herd of 18 7 Paxico Lumber Company 10 10 .A&LY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. Sec. L. ,'e's, (William) Elevator.... 14 ad-up, Out foi' a 18 t-i*- /al Neighbor's Float . 10 I. Eating House, McFarland . I. Eating House, Interior "EAT View, McFarland 8 ^___— '.trowig's Mill. Paxico 13 '- iignal Building 14 Simon's (F. C.) Store, Alma. . ..14 „ ai Spirit of '76 18 M- *■> £ T St. Marys' Bridge 18 U- 5" % School House, District 23, (1st). 8 M.- E-, Sunflowers, A Pretty Bunch of 11 U. E- Tableau, The Fairies' 12 M- E Templin, View of 14 M- r M 8 10 Sec. L. Threshing Scene 17 Teachers' Iustitute, 1896 11 Teachers' Institute, 1897 11 Teachers' Institute, 1901 11 Utermann's. (Livery) Barn 14 5 Volland, View of 14 2 Woodman Team, Harveyville.. . . 12 6 Winkler's Hotel in '80 13 9 Woodman Hall, Wabaunsee 14 3 Wilmington. View of 14 4 Wamego Bridge 18 4 Winkler's (Arthur) Store, Mc- Farland 14 10 Wesleyan College 10 9 JNCLASSIFIED. Auld Lang Syne Map of Richardson Countv Wabaunsee County in 1882 Old School House, Halifax First School House, District 10.. John Thomas Our County and Schools Our County and Schools Absent Members of the McMa- han Telephone Exchange — Members, Telephone Exchange. Louis Schroder's Residence A Pawnee Raid Our First Visitors Our First Home in Kansas Old Stone Fort at Templin 104 108 110 113 Preparing for a Raid Where the First Log House was Built Bossy, also sample of Old-Time Fence McFarland Murderers and their Victims The Muehlenbacher Home Margaritha's House Mail Station at E lm Creek Bill Cole's Last Drive Turkey Mountains Mexican Burros Mexican Oven and Adobe House. Goat Curiosity 144 144 148 15C 157 158 204 208 213 213 216 216 MAR 7 1903 < \